tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-62509926759313776602024-03-06T03:47:13.388+00:00Alan's Land's End to John O'Groats Ride for RoadPeaceAlan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-88478023947150450302012-08-05T17:45:00.000+01:002012-08-05T17:45:45.732+01:00Accommodation<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The night before the ride we stayed in <b>Wheal Rodney Holiday Lodges</b> which are <b>near Marazion</b>, just along the coast from Penzance and about 20 miles from Land’s End. Although not much to look at, indeed a bit drab from the outside, once inside we found the lodge comfortable and pretty spacious. Although we were only there for one night it’s the kind of place you could stay for a few days without going stir crazy as it has a separate living room/kitchen and bedroom. The lodge was self catering with a fairly well equipped kitchen and although there was a small shop on site we nipped 5 minutes down the road to the supermarket to stock up for the following day too.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The first night of the ride was spent in <b>The Coach House in Hele</b>, a few miles north of Exeter. This kind of bridges the gap between self catering and a B&B with a fridge and microwave in the room and comes stocked with various goods to make your own breakfast in the morning. At first I thought the buzzing of the fridge might be a bit intrusive but we both managed to get to sleep no problem. It’s the kind of place you need to speak to the owner to find but once we did we had no problem locating it - the owner was also very nice and let me bring the bike into the room.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">For Monday night my accommodation was the <b>Rose & Crown in Playley Green</b>, Redmarley D’Abitot – about 10 miles north of Gloucester. The is a pub with a few rooms and the room I stayed in appeared to have been done up nicely quite recently. I was able to leave my bike in the bar and although I was slightly concerned about the local youths playing pool next to it the bike survived the night unscathed. The pub had a good selection of food and I enjoyed a good evening meal and a full cooked breakfast in the morning with the exception of beans which I am told someone had eaten the last of the day before! The only issue I had was the room heating being supplied by an electric heater as the central heating wasn’t on which would have made drying my clothes off a bit easier.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Tuesday I was back at home and although the accommodation was unfinished in places and generally untidy the food was first rate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">By Wednesday night I was in <b>Gretna Green</b> and stayed at the <b>Kirkcroft Guest House </b>with their secure bike storage. Despite the shower being a bit low powered – I was told that the water had gone off earlier in the day and there were problems with the water pressure – I had a very comfortable stay. Breakfast was lovely and there were a few options nearby for evening meals depending on what you fancied, I chose the <b>Gretna Hall Hotel</b> which had a decent choice of meals.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Thursday night I was in <b>Callander</b> and met Kerri at the <b>Crags Hotel</b> which seemed more like a pub with rooms upstairs. The hotel had a somewhat quirky interior and although the bed was very creaky it was pretty comfortable. Again the heating in the room wasn’t on so as I had arrived sodden after a day of constant rain I had a bath to warm up and we resorted to use of the hair dryer to dry the gear I needed for the next day. I was able to leave my bike in the garage out back which although wasn’t locked itself I managed to secure my bike inside. Although the hotel does food we ventured out for our evening meal since there is plenty of choice in Callander and the breakfast in the morning was good.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Friday night was spent in <b>Clunebeg Lodge near Drumnadrochit</b>. Arriving quite late Kerri had been to the local shop for supplies and we enjoyed an evening meal of pot noodles and pies! With electric heaters drying my clothes wasn’t easy although the owner kindly offered use of his tumble dryer and also locked up my bike for me. Breakfast again was very good as I enjoyed another 3 course meal of cereal, cooked breakfast and toast although I had to politely turn down the offer of another rack of toast as I was pretty stuffed by that point!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma", "sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Saturday night we stayed in the gorgeous <b>Caithness History B&B</b> for a bit of luxury at the end of the ride. The B&B itself is a bit out on its own although there are takeaways in the relatively nearby Castletown, we headed to Thurso straight from the end of the ride in John O’Groats for fish and chips and to draw out some money as the B&B didn’t have card facilities. Both the building and the room itself were stunning and although I didn’t have any more cycling ahead of me I used the long drive home as a good excuse for another good three course breakfast. </span></div>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-17464847190564083392012-08-05T17:43:00.002+01:002012-08-05T17:43:55.050+01:00Accessories & Nutrition<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The most important accessory I used on the ride was my <b>Garmin 500</b> GPS cycle computer. This enabled me to plot my route and follow the directions that the computer gave me whilst also recording the usual stats such as distance, speed, heart rate etc. It has been great for both getting out on routes I wouldn’t normally use and also logging all my rides by uploading them to sites on the internet. It’s also been frustrating though when the thing goes wrong like it did on the second day of my LEJoG meaning I could only see the next course point and was unable to see how far I’d been or how long I’d got left. It’s also crashed at other times and I’ve ended up losing stats on parts of my ride which, while not particularly important, is still quite annoying. I think it struggles when you are following a long route with lots of directions in it. I’m told that upgrading the firmware should sort this problem although I have heard that this can actually make matters worse!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The ride was the first time I properly used energy and recovery drinks, normally I would just add some sugar to cordial and use that as an energy drink but this would have been impractical to carry in my luggage. I chose to use <b>SIS Go </b>(mainly as it worked out the cheapest of the brands!) during the ride which seemed to keep me going ok although it’s hard to say how much of a difference it would have made. After the ride I uses <b>SIS Rego Night </b>which, whilst tasting pretty disgusting, seemed to work well and leave my legs feeling much fresher in the morning than when I had been doing long back to back training rides without them. Learning to down the drink in one is advisable!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In terms of food I ate whatever was going. On the move I ate <b>Soreen </b>(comes in nice pocket shaped loaves!), home made flapjack, cereal bars and caramel shortcake. It’s hard to eat as much as you need to so I supplemented these with <b>High 5 Energy Gels</b> which are great when you need an instant energy hit but are relatively expensive for what they are. Off the bike on most days I had a three course breakfast of cereal, full English breakfast followed by toast and jam which set me up for the day nicely. During the day I would stop once or twice and take on either some sandwiches on wholemeal bread (I learned to avoid white bread pretty quickly) and/or pasta and at night I would have a large meal followed by desert if I had any room left in my stomach. According to my Garmin I was burning between 3,000 and 5,000 calories a day (although I’m not sure how accurate that is?) so I made every effort to eat as much as possible!</span></div>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-35279728247802296112012-08-05T17:43:00.000+01:002012-08-05T17:43:28.283+01:00Clothing<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Apologies to those who were on tenterhooks awaiting the reviews I had promised (I'm sure there are many of you!), I had written the drafts but forgot about them and never got around to posting them up. So here they are at long last:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Shorts are a personal choice and I found the <b>DHB Aeron Race</b> quite comfortable which I purchased a few months back when I needed some new shorts. Therefore I didn’t have any hesitation in going for a top of the range pair of <b>DHB Aeron Pro’s</b> to use on the majority of the ride with the Race’s acting as a backup. The Pro’s have a thicker pad than the Race’s and are also made of a better quality of lycra and they were pretty comfortable for the duration of the ride. The only thing I would say is that I think I come between two sizes with the mediums being too big and the smalls being ever so slightly too small. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I combined the shorts with <b>B’Twin thermal leg warmers</b> on the colder days and <b>Craft lycra leg warmers</b> on the slightly warmer days, both did their job fine although the B’Twin’s have now seen better days! I also purchased some neoprene <b>B’Twin overshoes</b> which kept the worst of the weather out but couldn’t keep heavy rain for more than a couple of hours even when combined with some <b>Polaris Neolite</b> overshoes underneath! I think all overshoes struggle in heavy rain though. The gloves I used for wet weather were <b>Altura Cresta</b> which again struggled in heavy rain – if anyone knows any truly waterproof gloves and overshoes let me know!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">When it wasn’t raining I wore <b>Madison windproof gloves</b> which I found probably the most comfortable of the lot and on the third day it was warm enough to bring out the <b>Polaris mitts</b> which are old faithful I’ve had for years and were comfortable but are now falling to bits!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In terms of tops I had various <b>long sleeve base layers</b> including a <b>Crane</b> one from Aldi which is surprisingly good being made from a light material but still being fairly warm, a <b>DHB</b> one which is warm but lets some of the wind through and one from <b>Prostar </b>which is lightweight and good for when it’s just a bit too cold for short sleeves. I also used a <b>Gore Windstopper short sleeve base layer</b> which does exactly what it says on the tin.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I also ended up taking my <b>B’Twin Membrane Jacket </b>which I didn’t think I’d be needing in May but was a godsend on colder days. It’s an incredibly warm jacket – really anything approaching double digits in Celsius it’s too warm for – great at stopping wind and fairly water resistant too. It’s also one of the few long sleeve garments that I’ve found long enough in the sleeve in a size small. The only criticism I have of it is that the 3 rear pockets are so tight as to be practically unusable so I have been combining it with a short sleeve jersey for rear pocket storage. For times when it was really wet I donned my <b>Polaris Neutron PBK Waterproof Jacket </b>which is both packable and waterproof but the (cheap) PBK version I have comes in black which isn’t the most visible colour, although having said that it does have reflective elements. When it wasn’t wet I used an <b>Altura gilet</b> which was good for taking the edge off in the cold mornings and evenings and also good for chilly descents without getting you too warm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">My eyewear is a pair of <b>Optilabs prescription sports glasses</b>. These were fairly expensive but are a great alternative to using regular cycling glasses with inserts as you only have one pair of lenses to worry about. They are also reactions so are fine in pretty much all light conditions although I find they make overcast conditions a little gloomy – fine for seeing but not always great for your mood! The helmet I use is a <b>Bell Ghisallo</b> which is now an obsolete model but I found it suited my odd shaped head – big and long – well and has good adjustability. </span></div>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-31165927062204373112012-06-09T15:57:00.000+01:002012-06-09T15:57:17.894+01:00Equipment Review<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Given the number of miles I put in during training and the ride itself I thought it might be worthwhile to do a bit of a review of the bike/equipment I used. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I think the <b>Genesis Equilibrium frame and fork</b> were brilliantly suited to the task – yes, I had to get p-clips to attach the rack but once it was fitted it was fine. The ride quality and handling is the best of any frame I have ridden and I’m sure it helped me feel less fatigued than I would have done on another bike. The <b>Dura Ace 7800 shifters</b> combined with <b>Ultegra 6600 mechs</b> were a revelation in terms of the precision and smoothness of their gear shifting. The levers have a much lighter action than anything else I've used and once the gears set up back in February they didn’t need touching until the last couple of days of the LEJoG some 2,500 miles later. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I wasn’t as pleased with the braking performance of the levers combined with <b>Tektro R536 brakes</b> though – I have fiddled around with the set-up and changed brake blocks but the stopping power has never been that good compared to the standard drop Shimano105 brakes I have on my other bike. I might look at changing the brakes for some Shimano R650’s and if that doesn’t solve the problem I guess it’s just down to the performance of long drop vs standard drop brakes. These were all linked with white <b>Fibrax cables </b>although it’s difficult to say whether these had any positive or negative effect.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The cassette I chose for the end to end was a <b>Tiagra 4600 12-28 10 speed</b> which was great as it gave me an extra low gear for lugging my panniers up hills. In terms of price to performance ratio I think the Tiagra cassettes are hard to beat. This was coupled with a <b>KMC DX-10 </b></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b>chain</b> which I purchased as it has a reusable link that enables easy removal and re-fitting and again was good value.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In full touring mode on day 1</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The rack I used was a <b>Tortec Ultralite</b> combined with <b>B’Twin City 9 litre panniers</b>.
The rack was a bit of a faff to fit due to needing p-clips as the
Equilibrium doesn’t have eyelets but once fitted did the job fine. The
panniers had plenty of room for what I needed to carry but aren’t the
easiest to fit and remove due to lengthy Velcro fastenings. Also they're
not waterproof meaning you have to pack things inside plastic bags and
I'm sure the extra weight of sodden panniers didn't help when it was
raining!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The <b>chainset</b> was<b> Specialites TA Vega </b>cranks and had a 48/34 <b>Zephyr</b> chainrings which I think is a good combination if you aren’t racing. This was coupled with a <b>Campagnolo bottom bracket</b> which works fine providing the crank bolts are adequately tightened – if not the crank arms can work loose as the chainset and bottom bracket are not strictly compatible due to slightly different tapers.</span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> Although
this is a square taper set up which is now considered out-dated, with new
systems seemingly being introduced every year, it does mean it's simple to
fit and you don't have to buy any new tools. </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> I have <b>Shimano M520 pedals </b>fitted
to the cranks which although are technically mountain bike pedals work
well if you want to combine them with a shoe that is good for walking
in.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The wheels were <b>Ambrosio Evolution rims</b> with an <b>Ultegra front hub</b> and a <b>Tiagra rear hub</b> of unknown mileage as they were off my brothers bike. These are good solidly built wheels that served me well throughout my training but unfortunately the rear rim developed a crack on the second to last day of the LEJoG – </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">the rim was pretty worn and coming to the end of its life by this point and </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">that combined with poor road surfaces meant the end of the road for the rim. The <b>Continental Gatorskin 23mm tyres</b> were again of unknown mileage and I only had two punctures throughout the 2,700 miles I rode them when the rear tyre started getting worn out. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the last day with R540 rear wheel and no panniers</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">My old <b>Shimano WH-R540 rear wheel</b> with a <b>Bontrager Racelite Hardcase 23mm</b> tyre stood in for the last day – for wheels with only 16 spokes they are pretty sturdy but obviously you have more of a problem if one of the spokes breaks compared to more conventional wheels. The Hardcase tyres are much less supple than the Gatorskins so the ride quality suffers as a result but I have never punctured with them and they seem extremely durable. As ever with tyres it's always a compromise but I think when (if?!) the Hardcase tyres wear out I will replace them with 25mm Gatorskins for a good balance between comfort and puncture protection. I am currently running another set of Ambrosio wheels - Evolution rims and Zenith hubs - that I picked up second hand as it worked out cheaper than getting new rims put on the old wheels.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The <b>Madison Prime saddle</b> is one of the comfiest I’ve ridden but then saddles are a very personal thing. I was glad to find one that wasn’t causing me too much discomfort over long rides though and will probably be getting another one to go on my race bike. The <b>seatpost, handlebars </b>and <b>stem </b>were<b> Genesis</b> branded and did the job fine whilst the <b>bartape was from B’Twin</b> and was well cushioned but a little slippery when wet. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The <b>SKS P35 mudguards</b> are easy to fit if you have done it previously and do their job well with one exception – the rear mudguard is quite short to facilitate the easy removal of the rear wheel and comes without a mud flap. This is fine if you are riding on your own but it you are riding in a group it will soon annoy the rider behind you, I added a flap fashioned from EPDM to mine.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Post LEJoG with new wheels - stem lowered but steerer still to be cut!</td></tr>
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a><br /><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span></div>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-66045320776391570002012-05-18T21:10:00.000+01:002012-05-18T21:10:50.567+01:00LEJoG Reflections<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Whilst I'm putting my feet up and letting my Achilles tendon recover I thought it would be an good time to have a look back and reflect on the ride.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Riding LEJoG was a great experience and you do get a great deal of satisfaction from knowing that you have cycled from one end of the country to the other. There were times when I was thinking “why am I doing this?” but there were other times that more than made up for it. The first and last days were probably the most enjoyable, with the freshness and scenery of day one in Cornwall and Devon making for a great ride. I think the early start and lengthy breaks helped too. The final day was fantastic, again having great scenery combined with warm sunshine and a strong tailwind helping me on my way to John O’Groats. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The most difficult aspect of the ride was the mental side of it. When you have been out on the bike for 5 hours and you’re only halfway through the day it can get quite tough, especially knowing that you will be doing the same the next day and the day after and so on. In terms of training I think I was physically well prepared for the ride but it is very hard to prepare mentally for riding 900 miles over seven days – other than actually doing the same in training of course! This especially surfaces when you are faced with heavy rain and headwinds, it can quickly destroy your spirit and the fifth day, when it rained constantly, was particularly difficult. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I was surprised how well my body coped with the rigours of cycling such long distances each day. Whilst it was obviously tiring I didn’t really feel too fatigued at any point, I think keeping well fuelled and using recovery drinks at the end of the day to make sure I took on plenty of protein helped. The only real problem I had physically was the sore Achilles tendon that developed in my left leg at the end of the fourth day. Reading up on this it could be something to do with my position not being quite right but considering it only surfaced 500 miles into the ride, and I had no problems during 1,750 miles of training, my position can’t be too bad. It might be something to do with my shoes not being the stiffest but I’m inclined to think it’s probably down to an increased workload and maybe the tendon not being used to the extra load being put on it as my leg muscles developed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Other than having to hobble around for the last week I am really glad I did the ride. I don’t think I could have done it without the help of Kerri who has pretty much driven the length of the country twice and also supported/put up with me throughout my training and a lot of the ride itself. Thanks also to those that offered help should anything bad occur although I am glad it was not needed. It was great to get messages of support through facebook and twitter which, along with the numerous donations to RoadPeace, really kept me going. The ride has raised over £800 so far which I am really pleased with. I am reluctant to say that I have raised the money because all I have done is ride my bike which I enjoy doing anyway, it’s the generosity of everyone else that will help RoadPeace. Thanks to all those who have donated, it really means a lot and I’m sure the money will be put to good use.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Overall I am really pleased with how the ride went. I wouldn’t necessarily rush back to do it again, maybe when I’m retired I’ll take a more leisurely tour around the country. Whilst it was good to have set places to get to each day I think it would also be nice to take it at a steadier pace and go where you please and, if the weather’s awful, be able to take the day off! I don’t have any more long distance challenges lined up (although part of me thinks it’d be a good idea to ride a 12 hour time trial!) and it will be good to go back to doing shorter rides again. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">My plan for the rest of the year is to do more high intensity riding to build upon the base I have developed over the last three months and see where it takes me. I will start off riding the club 10 mile time trials and probably try a couple of longer open time trials and maybe even a criterium or road race if I actually manage to develop a decent turn of pace. After that I’ve always fancied racing some hill climbs - in theory I have the build for it, I just need to knuckle down and do some focussed training and develop a bit of power! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">For those that are interested I will be doing a bit of a review of the equipment I used for the ride along with the clothing, accessories, nutrition and accommodation over the next few blogs - hopefully this might prove useful for those thinking about doing something similar. For the rest of you, thanks for reading!</span><br />
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a></div>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-13307119812588047512012-05-13T19:45:00.002+01:002012-05-14T12:09:13.371+01:00Day 7: Drumnadrochit - John O'GroatsWe awoke to bright sunshine pouring through our window and I knew that today would be a great day for cycling. Following a hearty breakfast I went out to my bike to replace the brake blocks as I had noticed unusual braking performance on the previous evening and seen that the blocks were quite worn. Upon replacing the blocks it soon became apparent that this wasn't the main issue - a crack had developed in my rear wheel rim. The poor road and weather conditions had obviously taken their toll on the ageing wheel and although it was still ridable I was glad to have a spare in the car.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the day with new rear wheel</td></tr>
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New wheel fitted I set off on my way around 10am with 134 miles ahead of me I settled in for a long day in the saddle. I soon hit the first climb of the day and was missing the lower gearing I had on the old rear wheel as the gradients hit an indicated 26%. The steep section didn't last for too long though and I met another group of touring cyclists once the road started to level off who commented that i was doing it the easy way as I didn't have any panniers! I was certainly glad i wasn't carrying the loads that they were.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdOKDVzNwsMVnPihyIjptwwAi6Dq1q-5OBA_DDYwrkduwprUUX8R4_uhAJMpjK90Ji8LiIPVNmps0TYNKWvsqp9GmuXjuSm6NBdgeJeV8LXjEd8i4RRdYICJmEpu3uFHzu8vkl3CUmORO/s1600/IMG_2155.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYdOKDVzNwsMVnPihyIjptwwAi6Dq1q-5OBA_DDYwrkduwprUUX8R4_uhAJMpjK90Ji8LiIPVNmps0TYNKWvsqp9GmuXjuSm6NBdgeJeV8LXjEd8i4RRdYICJmEpu3uFHzu8vkl3CUmORO/s400/IMG_2155.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View over the Cromarty Firth</td></tr>
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The roads on the initial part of the day were delightful and with the tail wind helping me on my way I was able to take it easy and admire the views.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAVLhPPJ2NU4yj13kqxiAmf73F_9O7T28cZqq20SQMWTRyocuzIqPBF8QcMtTxm8r7i2mYrJkTy0plT2DNJnmv3mMtgr0wnDsmpRtTt5w6X6xUxCcuSg62LVBw8XhiOwhl2ARHVPM8XwZ/s1600/IMG_2158.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDAVLhPPJ2NU4yj13kqxiAmf73F_9O7T28cZqq20SQMWTRyocuzIqPBF8QcMtTxm8r7i2mYrJkTy0plT2DNJnmv3mMtgr0wnDsmpRtTt5w6X6xUxCcuSg62LVBw8XhiOwhl2ARHVPM8XwZ/s400/IMG_2158.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought this was Scotland? Note tailwind though :)</td></tr>
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Kerri and I had agreed to meet in Tain for lunch and I made good time and was able to enjoy a lunch of a bacon sandwich along with the lions share of a red velvet cake. We found a nice little park to eat in and it was really quite warm to sit and eat in sheltered from the wind.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWyVFOTmzVBoV-HxV4m0JCPiZpdqDGAC4pbYm1dNSv6Bq4kAJkudAU61W_8Yn1SsUntBkdJVmx2PorZJsIMzPZTrtvJcN5UnfNL_Cs8qkh7ZWK33Z9dwU0_tQ93ukqh82Opu3pDWB_9gD/s1600/IMG_2162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggWyVFOTmzVBoV-HxV4m0JCPiZpdqDGAC4pbYm1dNSv6Bq4kAJkudAU61W_8Yn1SsUntBkdJVmx2PorZJsIMzPZTrtvJcN5UnfNL_Cs8qkh7ZWK33Z9dwU0_tQ93ukqh82Opu3pDWB_9gD/s400/IMG_2162.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Refuelling in Tain</td></tr>
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After an ice cream in the sun I was back on my way and crossing the Dornoch Firth. This wasn't a particularly enjoyable experience as I headed North and the strong cross wind attacked me from the West. The road continued to head North until it passed Loch Fleet and turned North East and I could pick up a tail wind once more.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from the A9 - great road</td></tr>
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The A9 was a much more pleasant road than I had expected and I made good progress towards Helmsdale. Despite the lumpy terrain the wind powered me on and I completed 20 miles in under an hour. The gloss was taken off this slightly when another rider passed me on a time trial bike as if I was standing still, presumably on a record attempt!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr61QIRfiWU4-1DJQj9vMQIHgnMoZ2mqffFJcpo4NdGgtesFmCDFMFGa0pD8MSN_5ygVu23MaVLHqMrkT6nfDSVpf_QhI0plZNFnGg9P94XbdRivvuHqqkRu6O7kqSJy5682mdPetsTj4/s1600/IMG_2167.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicr61QIRfiWU4-1DJQj9vMQIHgnMoZ2mqffFJcpo4NdGgtesFmCDFMFGa0pD8MSN_5ygVu23MaVLHqMrkT6nfDSVpf_QhI0plZNFnGg9P94XbdRivvuHqqkRu6O7kqSJy5682mdPetsTj4/s400/IMG_2167.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit Alpine</td></tr>
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Out of Helmsdale the road headed uphill quite steeply and I was soon regretting getting carried away on the flatter parts of the route. The road also turned North so the tail wind turned into a cross wind and I decided to stop and have a quick refuel to keep me gong. With hills to the left and the North Sea to the right the scenery was once again amazing and I soon picked up the tail wind again and got back into my rhythm.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And a bit Cornwall at times</td></tr>
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With a couple of swift descents in valleys followed by steep climbs out of them the road took on something of a Cornish coastal feel, albeit the gradients were 13% rather than 30%! With these out of the way I took one last refuelling and refill stop for a pint of coke and some more water before heading over the moors to John O'Groats.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First view of the sea from the moor roads at the end of the ride</td></tr>
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Intially I regretted choosing the smaller roads to the finish, rather than the A99, with gravel pasted road surfaces stretching out in a straight line as far as the eye could see. I was rewarded with traffic free cycling and the only company I had were small birds singing in the evening sun and lambs running to their mums for safety. Heading North once more the wind was no longer in my favour but the proximity of the finish spurred me on. Soon over one of the many small hills the moorland views gave way to one of the North Sea and I knew I was nearly at the end of my journey.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">John O'Groats at last</td></tr>
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Racing down towards the sea was really exhilarating and probably the best part of the whole week. Shortly before 8pm I arrived in John O'Groats to be greeted by Kerri and a bleak gathering of dilapidated buildings. The run down hotel and the closed stores were unable to dampen my mood as I was elated to have completed the ride. Following the obligatory photo's in front of anything that said John O'Groats on it we headed off to find somewhere still serving food and celebrated with a fish supper followed by a drink or two.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aGJx00LlPkosKAbk4qfRTNeXJbMIUuv5lduxm5JkBbvNoJ_tXVPlYxEOP6OdWjQgiVI18zzQi07fOQyDIaA-DctW8hpmT_l4u_22S3qZwSRe4dkN6gT-RExW0GM6TN24WIyStdco4j5O/s1600/IMG_2187.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-aGJx00LlPkosKAbk4qfRTNeXJbMIUuv5lduxm5JkBbvNoJ_tXVPlYxEOP6OdWjQgiVI18zzQi07fOQyDIaA-DctW8hpmT_l4u_22S3qZwSRe4dkN6gT-RExW0GM6TN24WIyStdco4j5O/s400/IMG_2187.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy to be finished on what was a great day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Thanks to everyone for their support, especially the following<br />
<ul>
<li>Kerri for driving the
length of the country twice and being generally ace in supporting me throughout my training and the ride itself</li>
<li>Di & Malc for their motivational messages whose offer of support should anything bad happen was thankfully not needed </li>
<li>Everyone at the Manchester Wheelers for their support, advice and company on my many training rides</li>
<li>Everyone who has tweeted me and messaged me on facebook with their support </li>
<li>All those that helped me along the route with lovely accommodation and great food </li>
<li>Everyone who has made a donation to RoadPeace, it
really means a lot</li>
</ul>
<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-14292436749913014412012-05-11T23:01:00.000+01:002012-05-14T11:06:44.876+01:00Day 6: Callander - DrumnadrochitLooking at the forecast for the day it was clear it was going to be a day of two halves. The morning would be one of heavy and sometimes wintry showers before clearing up in the afternoon. After shedding my panniers now that Kerri was with me I put any thoughts of extending the journey to 8 days behind me and decided I would push on an complete it in 7 as originally planned. This thought was re-enforced upon seeing the forecast for the weekend with Saturday looking glorious and Sunday showing heavy rain all day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcaCd2FUuL4b9IbIxizLj5T7Q7ouaZYn1WwsyCMuJIaoaQyr5LGQxUrMBESyds4l7X11zuYIvL81R4tO_h_YL7Tef-Ak7bAuAlX_FQYuOSmrgIg4Dmgbjd3okgU0Zk4S5RcaMFIxRRVFj/s1600/IMG_2117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXcaCd2FUuL4b9IbIxizLj5T7Q7ouaZYn1WwsyCMuJIaoaQyr5LGQxUrMBESyds4l7X11zuYIvL81R4tO_h_YL7Tef-Ak7bAuAlX_FQYuOSmrgIg4Dmgbjd3okgU0Zk4S5RcaMFIxRRVFj/s400/IMG_2117.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Light drizzle at the start of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
At the start of the day I was greeted by light showers and as the road started climbing I soon shed my waterproof layer as I warmed up. It soon became apparent that it would be another day of strong winds but knowing that the weather would brighten up and the winds would become cross- rather than head-winds once I reached Fort William and turned North East helped keep me going.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL-nXsjsnHrJR8CECrxeXeZii8HyzmnRdTGzdEXMiO6jXp0odLCgMKqTByKv6Adaa6COy-AWtGtLFH8wk4KMcrJgRvdXj8JpfyxwsEJob_ogB3NRQKqHLEtnMumaeR__7MwcfAJVq1NEd/s1600/IMG_2119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtL-nXsjsnHrJR8CECrxeXeZii8HyzmnRdTGzdEXMiO6jXp0odLCgMKqTByKv6Adaa6COy-AWtGtLFH8wk4KMcrJgRvdXj8JpfyxwsEJob_ogB3NRQKqHLEtnMumaeR__7MwcfAJVq1NEd/s400/IMG_2119.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up the first climb of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was also great to cycle through such wonderful countryside and actually be able to see it after the rather bleak scenery and dreadful weather of the previous day. Snow-capped peaks, dramatic mountains and some fantastic feats of engineering made the day much more stimulating visually.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMqT0Qmhm86TfgVGbdo0Qax5DeAjzSGLM-X9OP3GYL5EOUqyeNK2dtaizCCo4W_IH5fuXuFMd0PMxpnSVZPYr62xmuG_aUjYenwAPBw8vr32X2kkB9hNfOSmzhD3n2BZLXENCK4QSRfyt/s1600/IMG_2124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuMqT0Qmhm86TfgVGbdo0Qax5DeAjzSGLM-X9OP3GYL5EOUqyeNK2dtaizCCo4W_IH5fuXuFMd0PMxpnSVZPYr62xmuG_aUjYenwAPBw8vr32X2kkB9hNfOSmzhD3n2BZLXENCK4QSRfyt/s400/IMG_2124.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty dry at this point</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With Kerri having set off from Callendar a while after me she cuaght up with me after about 34 miles at which point the conditions were still ok. The light drizzle hadn't deteriorated into anything worse and the hills hadn't proved too taxing.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOv0UJIsnmRuGVvQ5rFwgkJKt9m0GnwTiN8-g1O4p-e5S8zMeyiOCc5YrVQnaqsu5f107jAO3rqX5tl-ex0hcVdlLHpWavKwvVOoTYcHCqaQ6MwhdRhrWZXbrqAzLqTvpl57obP0nwiLX/s1600/IMG_2125.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjOv0UJIsnmRuGVvQ5rFwgkJKt9m0GnwTiN8-g1O4p-e5S8zMeyiOCc5YrVQnaqsu5f107jAO3rqX5tl-ex0hcVdlLHpWavKwvVOoTYcHCqaQ6MwhdRhrWZXbrqAzLqTvpl57obP0nwiLX/s400/IMG_2125.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">8 miles later, it's shelter in the car time</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We had agreed to meet again at the Bridge of Orchy for lunch but shortly after Kerri drove on the heavens opened in earnest. Whilst I was climbing it wasn't so bad but I soon hit a descent and the heavy rain hit my face like ice and I was glad to meet Kerri again and have the chance to dry off a bit and warm up in the car.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHht6DsOQn301EkxvNarGODJr38li21ktQE6unmB5Ej_nDQgVG5YEuYumbHRfdugCXX1XfEGjDPWIonbJ3XQ4PY915DzmE7Eo_muCO3VlzuvtCTH-sPbslbnmV7vpPzsHCTPvtdq23Dk0/s1600/IMG_2126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhHht6DsOQn301EkxvNarGODJr38li21ktQE6unmB5Ej_nDQgVG5YEuYumbHRfdugCXX1XfEGjDPWIonbJ3XQ4PY915DzmE7Eo_muCO3VlzuvtCTH-sPbslbnmV7vpPzsHCTPvtdq23Dk0/s400/IMG_2126.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Climbing into the Highlands</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a big tub of pasta and sitting out the worst of the rain I was back on my way climbing up into the highlands. The scenery was still amazing but the weather was really closing in and the headwind starting to make itself felt in my legs. The road itself wasn't too busy but any time a truck passed it the opposite direction the wind blast would almost stop you in your tracks and it was pretty demoralising.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54iHgadC6gyLi35LQCahPQ5CzyWFZtO6__5YtpKxDBuMJWwoFtp4iYWjAxXtX3WmvqlXoFtm9wQxzjt77xOWA5rwcfPkSb1p4L1HE7whGdPaq_gSijrzcO0wQ2Pr5q017FtxpH1y9hgOA/s1600/IMG_2127.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi54iHgadC6gyLi35LQCahPQ5CzyWFZtO6__5YtpKxDBuMJWwoFtp4iYWjAxXtX3WmvqlXoFtm9wQxzjt77xOWA5rwcfPkSb1p4L1HE7whGdPaq_gSijrzcO0wQ2Pr5q017FtxpH1y9hgOA/s400/IMG_2127.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I think this wins the biggest sign of the week award</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Pushing on into Glen Coe the headwind wasn't letting up but I was certainly glad I no longer had my sodden panniers weighing me down as I passed another cyclist with a huge amount of luggage struggling into the wind. Approaching the summit of the road in Glen Coe the sun finally started to make an appearance and I was filled with hope for the remainder of the day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7B_ZMQk2_x8jSQ1yI4P1pyaLWw9T2CjhNPETwgDUlpbioIN-keJRzw3kOt348iqmgKdclCNPk1kAJMk6OOKXLLxTcG1_SywUgLA23MNnbq5LcePXtbgzjpabipWQpjj-ekeSF-ipF_hn/s1600/IMG_2128.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP7B_ZMQk2_x8jSQ1yI4P1pyaLWw9T2CjhNPETwgDUlpbioIN-keJRzw3kOt348iqmgKdclCNPk1kAJMk6OOKXLLxTcG1_SywUgLA23MNnbq5LcePXtbgzjpabipWQpjj-ekeSF-ipF_hn/s400/IMG_2128.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading up Glen Coe</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was certainly glad the weather hadn't been any more wintry as I made my slow way down the descent towards Fort William. The stats would later back up what my legs were telling me that the headwind was really slowing my progress. According to my Garmin I averaged a measly 16.6mph on the way down Glen Coe and my heart rate indicated I was having to work hard just to achieve this!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRFUl5Z47XrnXOukiCE8UssY72X97MPlo5MrvTMPno9oLcoIfU1xni341glaxMrn3SZ2U6d3hemCW4wYxAxrQDn-9fj8BjMK4iYWGZUDfIWmpz7x-JWo7eVA6vbSSBCVMdvq9q3EA0JpE/s1600/IMG_2130.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixRFUl5Z47XrnXOukiCE8UssY72X97MPlo5MrvTMPno9oLcoIfU1xni341glaxMrn3SZ2U6d3hemCW4wYxAxrQDn-9fj8BjMK4iYWGZUDfIWmpz7x-JWo7eVA6vbSSBCVMdvq9q3EA0JpE/s400/IMG_2130.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View near the top of Glen Coe as the sun starts to come out</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Once I reached the bottom I could relax knowing that the worst of the terrain and the weather was over. Upon reaching the flat and pushing on I really started to feel the pain in my Achilles again and, having left my medication with Kerri, I took the liberty of giving her a call and asking her to meet me a bit earlier than planned. Applying a bit of pain relieving gel and taking some pills as I consumed another pot of pasta I was concious of the need to press on as I still had 60 miles to go and it was getting on for 5pm.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCuPR5sb7UuRJmvGGHJh_WKO2gxbf1OSnuVhaLBQdRgwd9TZXhV9y3kYOsppOD0iLvaNDBOj5rEOLOujG5MnOEiBwS9NurN_Rdtfq-zKCbE_T48n_8zjgF1Y6sZKKD449DQx6A2uJjpsP/s1600/IMG_2133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpCuPR5sb7UuRJmvGGHJh_WKO2gxbf1OSnuVhaLBQdRgwd9TZXhV9y3kYOsppOD0iLvaNDBOj5rEOLOujG5MnOEiBwS9NurN_Rdtfq-zKCbE_T48n_8zjgF1Y6sZKKD449DQx6A2uJjpsP/s400/IMG_2133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Loch Leven<br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had initially planned on taking the B8004 over the other side of the River Lochy but being short on time I decided to stick to the A82 as the traffic wasn't too bad anyway. There were still one or two small climbs along the way but with a cross wind it was quite so hard going as earlier in the day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ5cerhNFa6L-vEujKXDKLCNiT3exUFjpP-IZAOglmQLDwQY0xyZofYNCXx33adde3fqbUB7195jXzWpxFrHatLGjFvhmTsyXtNecX9So2YnMDQfVZg5Wgezf8DMFCgG_Dl7iCxTbdJ_v/s1600/IMG_2136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUZ5cerhNFa6L-vEujKXDKLCNiT3exUFjpP-IZAOglmQLDwQY0xyZofYNCXx33adde3fqbUB7195jXzWpxFrHatLGjFvhmTsyXtNecX9So2YnMDQfVZg5Wgezf8DMFCgG_Dl7iCxTbdJ_v/s400/IMG_2136.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking back towards Fort William</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was in the Great Glen that I first really started to reap the rewards for the effort I'd put in during the week. As the sun started to set over the mountains and reflect off the lochs it was really a wonderful place to cycle. I didn't have too much time to sit up and take in the views though as I wanted to get to our accommodation before it got dark. Even the sometimes dreadful road surfaces and the occasional racing Friday evening traffic couldn't dampen my spirits.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPJ0OnWFAzOaIz7mPvU5xcXHogSKJp9N_QRSrkxjHynINH0tmea5PfhNVOS6Ic6Mq3rT9ISmXXOi_C_0akWMKKTLRZVbl0Jmzmm3-Zy5LzvfViGzvpeq9j0K5IKSEbOG1YMZpmhECsXNo/s1600/STE_2145.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirPJ0OnWFAzOaIz7mPvU5xcXHogSKJp9N_QRSrkxjHynINH0tmea5PfhNVOS6Ic6Mq3rT9ISmXXOi_C_0akWMKKTLRZVbl0Jmzmm3-Zy5LzvfViGzvpeq9j0K5IKSEbOG1YMZpmhECsXNo/s400/STE_2145.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Great Glen</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrived in Drumnadrochit on the shores of Loch Ness in the gathering gloom, tired but elated knowing that tomorrow would be the last day and I could begin to relax knowing that I would complete the ride. The weather forecast only boosted my spirits further showing a bright sunny day with a west south westerly wind set to assist me on my way.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-18575478964921876742012-05-10T23:09:00.000+01:002012-05-14T11:07:00.160+01:00Day 5: Gretna Green - CallanderThe weather forecast for day 5 wasn't promising and I awoke to find the conditions exactly as expected. The forecasters had predicted persistent heavy rain all day and as I had no reason to doubt them I put on two pairs of waterproof overshoes along with my winter jacket and waterproof jacket over the top. There is a saying that there's no such thing as bad weather only the wrong clothing so I was hoping the more clothing I wore the less chance it had of being wrong!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQMm4IrdIBx8t0_mg-8f3CsaDgQa9hLX5Hb6maAVk29RR_KPuYW5l8KFQBy6loJWLwF9C6dC1rQVOJtTRu2pjf_WO18mS7ojAWHx1Rr6syPmRlhqJgYhuBroVG8bhDLFDAUymb3sIeo66/s1600/IMG_2107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDQMm4IrdIBx8t0_mg-8f3CsaDgQa9hLX5Hb6maAVk29RR_KPuYW5l8KFQBy6loJWLwF9C6dC1rQVOJtTRu2pjf_WO18mS7ojAWHx1Rr6syPmRlhqJgYhuBroVG8bhDLFDAUymb3sIeo66/s400/IMG_2107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First of many breaks in a bus shelter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The day started off along the B7076 which follows the route of the A74(M) which means that although it isn't the most pictureque of routes it the gradients never get too steep. The road is also relatively quiet although it does seem to have more than it's fair share of lorries going up and down it.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3V_1bQbl8XY0fnYdZL3Hv3TRCY7qsRvzT7dRHJiO52izSUdFabrP-8EPGhRstnzVU0cRU3QLzhz7ENNkRL5ejBBa3eUCIQy5Hn6pwnG6ALejUY3tqmVG8Eb6Gj0WKTjmBPDmECEd5NGf/s1600/IMG_2108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt3V_1bQbl8XY0fnYdZL3Hv3TRCY7qsRvzT7dRHJiO52izSUdFabrP-8EPGhRstnzVU0cRU3QLzhz7ENNkRL5ejBBa3eUCIQy5Hn6pwnG6ALejUY3tqmVG8Eb6Gj0WKTjmBPDmECEd5NGf/s400/IMG_2108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm sure someone will know why this is in Scotland</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Whilst I kept dry for the first hour or so the rain got steadily heavier and soon other than my torso, which was being kept dry by my two jackets, I was soaked to the skin. Along with the rain there was also a strong headwind which made to going really tough. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyoTTbwTxw_0yNcnVcDf4Z0R2ta_NEACfl7QBkGixe2oAUe8SF83UgxiqLw41A-BbYoorW5iUiI5aMhSNDMtCtAwm_6r-U34I_CI4nkO0ofL5ZgCr79DLxx3pxxQN9yEQaaE7QIrvl19l/s1600/IMG_2109.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfyoTTbwTxw_0yNcnVcDf4Z0R2ta_NEACfl7QBkGixe2oAUe8SF83UgxiqLw41A-BbYoorW5iUiI5aMhSNDMtCtAwm_6r-U34I_CI4nkO0ofL5ZgCr79DLxx3pxxQN9yEQaaE7QIrvl19l/s400/IMG_2109.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Entering Lanarkshire alongside the motorway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The one ray of sunshine was the knowledge that my girlfriend Kerri was going to be joining me a day early. Knowing that I was going through difficulties and that I had tough day ahead of me she had decided to take an extra day off work and come to support me which I was extremely thankful for.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABDZj0loKU55Iaq-ascTriSVA2ksFEPJo78AkH1cfc2Zm-rGWx4UQKQ54IY4WPXnMCFG3daeKwp1XJRs1ri7OyShs9LgdL6Zh3c4AYnRC4lNNeGuKAoPCz5EkdHXWsM3fbhRlsXfvjvjU/s1600/IMG_2110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABDZj0loKU55Iaq-ascTriSVA2ksFEPJo78AkH1cfc2Zm-rGWx4UQKQ54IY4WPXnMCFG3daeKwp1XJRs1ri7OyShs9LgdL6Zh3c4AYnRC4lNNeGuKAoPCz5EkdHXWsM3fbhRlsXfvjvjU/s400/IMG_2110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I have no idea why these barriers were on a cycle path</td></tr>
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Along the route there were separate cycle lanes which was a good opportunity to get away from the spray and wind-blast from passing motorists. Some were good sections which were part of the old dual carriageway with one lane left for cyclists and a good bit of separation from the current road. Other sections were quite rough tarmac and had gates on them for no apparent reason other than as an obstacle for cyclists!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmGi7BHWGi_HsQpjhFfJlWNvplWrc0LPjud3EPTTiR81ttT2KNOFwDMsm7Bhv6QtWz56f2nyijjhMTp8Svn70pyxZ7IfEu3yAjfbjlnc-hGztGO8lVTTVn8uoNMZEmqXUmLKRsZfoHE4H/s1600/IMG_2111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOmGi7BHWGi_HsQpjhFfJlWNvplWrc0LPjud3EPTTiR81ttT2KNOFwDMsm7Bhv6QtWz56f2nyijjhMTp8Svn70pyxZ7IfEu3yAjfbjlnc-hGztGO8lVTTVn8uoNMZEmqXUmLKRsZfoHE4H/s400/IMG_2111.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cycle path using the old dual carriageway</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The road had been climbing steadily up to Moffat but after that took on a more downward profile into Hamilton. It was at this point that I met two other cyclists from Manchester who were doing the LEJoG in 6 days. Apparently they had miscalculated the route and ended up doing 190 miles in one day earlier in the ride! I think with them starting a day later than me they had managed to miss the rain on Monday (my second day, their first) and told me this was their first day of bad weather.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsMmBtd7jClKbfnSrGgDfp3tOya_WeFgq7DeDaQFQPGIHgmflUTAXAakO7L6mrP4lQ6L-MVGWAnEWzOaXBIStC-IYBN_ZB9TO1_OOEF8rY6dVCSnBA5GRkNf89FnOOe6nN5pJ7MOca7c9/s1600/IMG_2112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKsMmBtd7jClKbfnSrGgDfp3tOya_WeFgq7DeDaQFQPGIHgmflUTAXAakO7L6mrP4lQ6L-MVGWAnEWzOaXBIStC-IYBN_ZB9TO1_OOEF8rY6dVCSnBA5GRkNf89FnOOe6nN5pJ7MOca7c9/s400/IMG_2112.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view from a bus shelter</td></tr>
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Soon after we parted ways I encountered my first bike problem of the ride - a puncture. It is typical that it always seems to happen on the wettest days - something to do with the water lubricating debris and forcing it through nicks in the tyre. Upon stopping in a bus shelter I could see the air bubbling through the tyre though so it was a straightforward tube swap and I was back on my way through Hamilton.<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZvC9tET2rscpLm5seAoBqc_czqJk2ozG9XUvqW2V-BVmRIl6ckgeg7K_kfGv3Q-lA6a9dWbDnalF5SvAN1wYNq3yKPP5rD9nMY9YCVCFEmVZnLKBMfz1Ue_ftCdcT_C8xGPIvCwYgn9r/s1600/IMG_2113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiZvC9tET2rscpLm5seAoBqc_czqJk2ozG9XUvqW2V-BVmRIl6ckgeg7K_kfGv3Q-lA6a9dWbDnalF5SvAN1wYNq3yKPP5rD9nMY9YCVCFEmVZnLKBMfz1Ue_ftCdcT_C8xGPIvCwYgn9r/s400/IMG_2113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nicer view from a bus shelter</td></tr>
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Having made it around Glasgow I was left with quieter roads but more climbing. First up was the Crow Road which didn't seem too bad at first as I was sheltered from the worst of the wind until I rounded a corner in the road and hit the headwind straight on. Despite a lessening gradient my speed dropped considerably and didn't really rise on the descent as the hills seemed to be channelling the wind straight at me!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-O8uFG8ph5sTiaI9qDffgxudznfLnLNIpuopoksVqZnbU_DC893VzrIhiHQornkbpivecKHf375xSlLur_2CRZiKly0bPOVsqRuiXqqBYcXTEhh4Y-v_8KIp0UVZYgVrhEta9SgmzZQ-/s1600/IMG_2114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-O8uFG8ph5sTiaI9qDffgxudznfLnLNIpuopoksVqZnbU_DC893VzrIhiHQornkbpivecKHf375xSlLur_2CRZiKly0bPOVsqRuiXqqBYcXTEhh4Y-v_8KIp0UVZYgVrhEta9SgmzZQ-/s400/IMG_2114.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halfway up Crow Road climb towards the end of the day</td></tr>
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Two smaller climbs followed but with the wind, the rain and the fatigue in my legs they really were a miserable few miles and I arrived in Callander a sorry state. Shortly after, however, Kerri arrived and we headed out for a drink and a bite to eat which really lifted my spirits. With my Achilles injury not getting any better and more bad weather forecast for the next day we discussed the possibility of lengthening the ride to 8 days but decided we'd see how I felt in the morning.<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-65841016242196722522012-05-10T22:58:00.002+01:002012-05-13T22:18:32.709+01:00Day 4: Manchester - Gretna GreenFollowing a good bit of rest and recuperation at home - hats off to the chef - it was on to the roads of Lancashire for day 4. Seeing the forecast I knew there would be rain pushing up from the south during the day so I made a bid to outrun the weather!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Mk08sNaDqf3cXOLKmTfNkHLI0c4Sp6t2hxPiB4QpEJSQh62Hmo4sax1GwygMokXvTUbiJ5PoJ6me1ToJ_NKqXCbHXdAN9diJgToZuk5pF5Sw2Tu0KEPHWAqdiGkbpaMOK-Wl4o0SqjUG/s1600/IMG_2095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Mk08sNaDqf3cXOLKmTfNkHLI0c4Sp6t2hxPiB4QpEJSQh62Hmo4sax1GwygMokXvTUbiJ5PoJ6me1ToJ_NKqXCbHXdAN9diJgToZuk5pF5Sw2Tu0KEPHWAqdiGkbpaMOK-Wl4o0SqjUG/s400/IMG_2095.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View back towards Manchester at the start of the day</td></tr>
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The initial parts of the day's riding were all on roads that were very familiar to me so made the going that much easier. First of all it was over Belmont to my Mum's near Preston, a route I have ridden many times. The initial 15 miles was mostly uphill but I knew that they would be followed by a good bit of descending.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIy2T9xSlE2JxrHbHvUHoA8ONn4rtQVpHA6dxWp9bBNSqgsLLIdoiooK2lgwvv4u7Br2hhtCWAy_UzzyZq2TvKtSa8vd2OJ5Y32mye3WuKQUJZE1oNiUKS4sYMOCUbqBGnAhdz4V0X9y0/s1600/IMG_2096.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPIy2T9xSlE2JxrHbHvUHoA8ONn4rtQVpHA6dxWp9bBNSqgsLLIdoiooK2lgwvv4u7Br2hhtCWAy_UzzyZq2TvKtSa8vd2OJ5Y32mye3WuKQUJZE1oNiUKS4sYMOCUbqBGnAhdz4V0X9y0/s400/IMG_2096.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stop off at my Mum's near Preston for a second breakfast</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After a bit of refuelling and a quick catchup I was back on my way and heading up through Preston. Again, this is a route I had done many times when I was at university in Lancaster and I figured if I could manage it as an unfit student on a mountain bike I shouldn't have any problem with it now!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbtyj7dz2bU0aX2Cgu0EZzcZd7KT2JGSiGPvWXxSZPMwiFCibUq75TJzp4I3U1WE8Uk22dp2Kxxw8IsKUTVYdzCwZXcPAsAGki6XHqLa_MqZieiBmUDgiqG0GGHaKYIJhrCLoZWo-lvYi/s1600/IMG_2100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwbtyj7dz2bU0aX2Cgu0EZzcZd7KT2JGSiGPvWXxSZPMwiFCibUq75TJzp4I3U1WE8Uk22dp2Kxxw8IsKUTVYdzCwZXcPAsAGki6XHqLa_MqZieiBmUDgiqG0GGHaKYIJhrCLoZWo-lvYi/s400/IMG_2100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exiting Lancashire at around the halfway of the weeks riding</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I was soon off the A6 and onto the lanes skirting around Lancaster and a few small climbs. Upon entering Cumbria I had reached a good landmark of halfway for the week and it was a good psychological boost. There was still the climb of Shap Fell looming though and I took a late lunch in Kendal under a gathering gloom.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSByJxbuUOkP82kcIFnMikdNuf67zqownvN5WZy8b6pB2HWYyxlkpuYoJy4CPyIvDNISM7znNVR_AM-94wFiewbOAWxKnAZDGj3Odi6nCxcleuEoNOAKVLpKBjrHUVQQy-VgKf7w2MMxM/s1600/IMG_2102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivSByJxbuUOkP82kcIFnMikdNuf67zqownvN5WZy8b6pB2HWYyxlkpuYoJy4CPyIvDNISM7znNVR_AM-94wFiewbOAWxKnAZDGj3Odi6nCxcleuEoNOAKVLpKBjrHUVQQy-VgKf7w2MMxM/s400/IMG_2102.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Foot of Shap Fell as the skies started getting greyer</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After wolfing down a pot of pasta and a sandwich I set off up the climb as the rain finally caught up with me. I knew it was a long steady climb so I settled down into an easy rhythm and with the rain not getting too heavy I was able to make it to the top before donning my waterproofs for the long descent.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUYLvEjlWAKvbdwP5O6OmFAUjKlDYxXy63HnRltjJyV_rdVUBP8ksR4xqGn-1sOoohzfMNYOVmoE5Z8vp3cLFOfDih9RJN2-sKvc8NdmjOx4WtOgJZxeoHR4U00VL06Q4Gv9f5DoWbZL3/s1600/IMG_2103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisUYLvEjlWAKvbdwP5O6OmFAUjKlDYxXy63HnRltjJyV_rdVUBP8ksR4xqGn-1sOoohzfMNYOVmoE5Z8vp3cLFOfDih9RJN2-sKvc8NdmjOx4WtOgJZxeoHR4U00VL06Q4Gv9f5DoWbZL3/s400/IMG_2103.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top of Shap Fell</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Following the climb I knew there were no other major challenges in the day as I left the A6 once more and found some quieter lanes. On one straight lane I was passed by a tractor and by cranking up my effort a notch I was able to slipstream along behind it (at a safe distance of course) at a decent 25-28mph for a good four or five miles!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsJA8b4uP7I6sUYpLI_C-CIUIfnins-GrZZdVbAdRMtsOwZPHfyIJkxgqH87-XURViSQ2eBpXGk8e1aJ8w7ZqfY_CGJH5-9zPOtWBhcbaSokBGMn_amM8CUBUjrs7-6hqjjwZCCp3rj3Q/s1600/IMG_2104.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPsJA8b4uP7I6sUYpLI_C-CIUIfnins-GrZZdVbAdRMtsOwZPHfyIJkxgqH87-XURViSQ2eBpXGk8e1aJ8w7ZqfY_CGJH5-9zPOtWBhcbaSokBGMn_amM8CUBUjrs7-6hqjjwZCCp3rj3Q/s400/IMG_2104.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beware - Red Squirrels!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Before I knew it I was in Scotland and despite a persistent drizzle I wasn't too wet as I reached my accommodation in Gretna Green. It had been a good day's cycling although upon climbing the stairs to my room I noticed a bit of pain in my left Achilles tendon that would become more of an issue over the remaining days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb2NWLIpB1d1cmcNVXTkUQlywF_PiydoI2y7naOT-RL0CbkeFB60jDobCECLdwrN1onYNHmBOpqiToCUXQs_-EKUTw2Jd13B6io-hZYU4Q0iOh_2u8aWa_9NjB4AE9TRMK5ZGADRGJIyo/s1600/IMG_2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb2NWLIpB1d1cmcNVXTkUQlywF_PiydoI2y7naOT-RL0CbkeFB60jDobCECLdwrN1onYNHmBOpqiToCUXQs_-EKUTw2Jd13B6io-hZYU4Q0iOh_2u8aWa_9NjB4AE9TRMK5ZGADRGJIyo/s400/IMG_2106.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nice to see Scotland put up a sign just for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-40364672686552268502012-05-08T21:43:00.000+01:002012-05-13T21:28:49.498+01:00Day 3: Playley Green - ManchesterDay three dawned much brighter than the previous day and I made an earlier start knowing that there were many hard miles ahead.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7fMfQjUQCO44sNlo6JHEFAPvUR-5729dfsQUFzUeLE2dkhajOYbk2AIsG4WFgYxQCLw9vnzpNv08KW6Z4m09LuGdvycVWMUN1hHi9aV720eEfNYeJPKAnFs4_QkGdjc1xtwFcp9BpHLK/s1600/IMG_2081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7fMfQjUQCO44sNlo6JHEFAPvUR-5729dfsQUFzUeLE2dkhajOYbk2AIsG4WFgYxQCLw9vnzpNv08KW6Z4m09LuGdvycVWMUN1hHi9aV720eEfNYeJPKAnFs4_QkGdjc1xtwFcp9BpHLK/s400/IMG_2081.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Start of the day in Playley Green</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Initially setting off in cold weather gear I was soon taking off my gilet and full finger gloves, the latter being replaced by summer mitts. It was the first outing for these since the last spell of warm weather back in March!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwSQ9gAEe18C_NbRgerXiSVPR1S5CYvnQIp09VNbVC-pM3OIbmiMwN0lO1l3VVDijT077FZkNvMGuvyMSbvZvVJuPvk7eiHXkXkv-64YWrBtPw830jkKUpTFUia7KOqMl29vifJsphbhv/s1600/IMG_2082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVwSQ9gAEe18C_NbRgerXiSVPR1S5CYvnQIp09VNbVC-pM3OIbmiMwN0lO1l3VVDijT077FZkNvMGuvyMSbvZvVJuPvk7eiHXkXkv-64YWrBtPw830jkKUpTFUia7KOqMl29vifJsphbhv/s400/IMG_2082.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">5 miles in and it was time to take off the gilet & windstopper gloves</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I had begun the day feeling quite good, my legs not feeling half as bad as they had following back to back long rides in training.I think the recovery drinks I had been taking each night were doing their job, even if the taste was rather unpalatable! With rolling roads getting hillier as the morning passed by I stopped for lunch in a sunny Bridgnorth.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ESDb7RAcCs6zmvIh6wmbcASLDAFhr-xUxHuC-802RIChvJG_qB0CbXYcZfF5E771MFlAxvdtveX7LMPpGA5TVj2f9ERB5UrF423isVeisy1akNlqjkR0-7dWJBqk4WsuxzFnb-hyJaKC/s1600/IMG_2084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ESDb7RAcCs6zmvIh6wmbcASLDAFhr-xUxHuC-802RIChvJG_qB0CbXYcZfF5E771MFlAxvdtveX7LMPpGA5TVj2f9ERB5UrF423isVeisy1akNlqjkR0-7dWJBqk4WsuxzFnb-hyJaKC/s400/IMG_2084.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beautiful weather all day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Following lunch I followed a section of the national cycle network that took me off the roads for a change. Although I was initially concerned about taking the bike off-road it turned out to be quite a decent surface and made for a good change in pace. In fact the conditions were probably better than some of the roads I would encounter later in my ride!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAb7hcmQQl3a8Uyl2VlqO_b8V-6M6VtXjDDclq5U1uuVC5TOS_mCH62K37LjFSMG4_yNysZurAQKkW9fDxzHZAGC4eAOl7yJAxURBrd_EIMvBVcHpHngYbz0jmV1ZoZv94zXuPzGmeBNaP/s1600/IMG_2085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAb7hcmQQl3a8Uyl2VlqO_b8V-6M6VtXjDDclq5U1uuVC5TOS_mCH62K37LjFSMG4_yNysZurAQKkW9fDxzHZAGC4eAOl7yJAxURBrd_EIMvBVcHpHngYbz0jmV1ZoZv94zXuPzGmeBNaP/s400/IMG_2085.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bit of off-road action</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It was nice to get away from the traffic, the only noise being that of the gathering mud that accumulated between my tyres and mudguards. Now I know why cyclocrossers don't have mudguards! Once I had stopped, taken off my wheels and removed the caked mud I was back on my way.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS1TH_4aZE-3OkQeZGo6KYkY0FMEe67oFtRGlXOouYNIIUKLxl3pG5ZfMmwGEgvec8g15C0kQaBWqQLw1q4FOupCbNnB6G5AU5hBCXoSJgCKuhb7T8b4Yb_uU7XXGoZFqaI4hyphenhyphenYlYBa_6/s1600/IMG_2086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnS1TH_4aZE-3OkQeZGo6KYkY0FMEe67oFtRGlXOouYNIIUKLxl3pG5ZfMmwGEgvec8g15C0kQaBWqQLw1q4FOupCbNnB6G5AU5hBCXoSJgCKuhb7T8b4Yb_uU7XXGoZFqaI4hyphenhyphenYlYBa_6/s400/IMG_2086.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bike path followed the river Severn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
As the afternoon wore on I really started to feel all the miles in my legs. This was the first time I was doing 3 long rides back to back and it was a voyage into the unknown. Whereas on day 2 I was questioning why I was doing the ride on day 3 I was questioning whether I would complete it. I was finding the ride tough mentally - when you have been riding for
five or six hours and still have another 50 miles to go it can get quite
dispiriting, which is compounded by knowing you have to do it all again tomorrow.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Sr7kXSE4iXplOx8FFvh9kgJjaoAfrr3Sud-CzoojF6fIUNyh6Qtki05Fb2veaHBIUc2Qnw851KSBn-z6SkQoTnbwQn9pXeVDSfexAdNQIl0xpxXaavmLKd-aw2Ay6qIjQ1x0_sj5Vgui/s1600/IMG_2087.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Sr7kXSE4iXplOx8FFvh9kgJjaoAfrr3Sud-CzoojF6fIUNyh6Qtki05Fb2veaHBIUc2Qnw851KSBn-z6SkQoTnbwQn9pXeVDSfexAdNQIl0xpxXaavmLKd-aw2Ay6qIjQ1x0_sj5Vgui/s400/IMG_2087.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bridge over the Severn</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The middle part of the day only seemed to get hillier and I couldn't
feel any noticeable effect from the tailwind, each hill taking more out
of me. So it was with great relief that I finally reached the flat plains of Cheshire and got onto familiar roads. I still had Manchester city centre to pass through though and following one close miss with a driver who didn't seem to understand roundabouts I was pleased to make it home in one piece.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEMjXP5I18gVVhTtvMJmGVNnhbSswSXjQJUNxVG_Awsowr8rb4IEYZBIA8BL2EEht4Lq1ly8UazGaUTUV4oI533oFcGaNkygNK5axzZ3dk0RByN8vRjkCtiRVfdn4vg3kf6sULxJdPkhA/s1600/IMG_2093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZEMjXP5I18gVVhTtvMJmGVNnhbSswSXjQJUNxVG_Awsowr8rb4IEYZBIA8BL2EEht4Lq1ly8UazGaUTUV4oI533oFcGaNkygNK5axzZ3dk0RByN8vRjkCtiRVfdn4vg3kf6sULxJdPkhA/s400/IMG_2093.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jodrell Bank meant I was nearly home</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-33577200648536281752012-05-08T21:31:00.000+01:002012-05-13T21:29:18.838+01:00Day 2: Hele - Playley GreenWaking up early in the morning to the sound of rain bouncing off the skylight in our B&B wasn't the best way to start the day. By the time it was actually time to get up the rain had eased though and in making a later start I hoped to miss the worst of the forecast rain. I waved Kerri on her way back to Manchester and the morning passed fairly swiftly on rolling lanes. Although the roads were wet the weather was ok with only occasional drizzle.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnttAA_9CspfDHxxJ_HD6juQvsQsKY_kOBPWKohfk3lbtkALEVhZkmlJdASFGL1yU92bXSf5SawyvDhLGumJGZ_ZlWwezjA3XXPmXi0ZaYnmOcFJvf1sM1QDBd3mpXUoLv5EHSSLenTIL/s1600/IMG_2076.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwnttAA_9CspfDHxxJ_HD6juQvsQsKY_kOBPWKohfk3lbtkALEVhZkmlJdASFGL1yU92bXSf5SawyvDhLGumJGZ_ZlWwezjA3XXPmXi0ZaYnmOcFJvf1sM1QDBd3mpXUoLv5EHSSLenTIL/s400/IMG_2076.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Judging by the depth meter I got off lightly </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
It soon became apparent, however, that my Garmin cycle computer which I was using to navigate with wasn't having a good day. Whenever I tried to look at the directions page it would freeze and I would have to turn it off and on again to get it working. I think the issue is caused by the number of coursepoints I had loaded due to the number of turns and junctions there were in the route. This meant I would have to leave it on the navigation screen all day in
order to find my way and would not be able to see any other stats, such
as the distance travelled or the miles I had remaining, which would become an issue later in the day.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n4MCUACEmZ1ClGJHDGl-ByEVHlQemqSyzvr7A2aUMSx7WB_TWMpeMjFmOwBS86qmyAEJ1gTKWL40za3OwhzD64-upA4pdhDoz4DUfAbrIwE2hwDM8tdagTcjDe7t5POgZRRI0hYlKTiN/s1600/IMG_2077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n4MCUACEmZ1ClGJHDGl-ByEVHlQemqSyzvr7A2aUMSx7WB_TWMpeMjFmOwBS86qmyAEJ1gTKWL40za3OwhzD64-upA4pdhDoz4DUfAbrIwE2hwDM8tdagTcjDe7t5POgZRRI0hYlKTiN/s400/IMG_2077.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I thought sheltering under a tree was wise at this point</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were a few torrential downpours which I took the liberty of sheltering from but by the time I reached Cheddar Gorge the weather seemed to be clearing up. The Gorge itself is stunning and makes for good cycling as it starts of steep and gets flatter as you go so you gain speed the higher you climb. Following the downpours it had a bit of a river running down it which made some points quite interesting!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevA1R0tHGF2U_XIa8wd6g0GpOltyVQZcusROGrSaIsF9gZg2lkc4mcjT9Rli3qqAgPehPdjdI5d0XN-CV9ll4l_pMW_SyH81Dc16vzUlx9YIbeyRsUr4PFVGelH93zttpQmns9-JYTbmJ/s1600/IMG_2079.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjevA1R0tHGF2U_XIa8wd6g0GpOltyVQZcusROGrSaIsF9gZg2lkc4mcjT9Rli3qqAgPehPdjdI5d0XN-CV9ll4l_pMW_SyH81Dc16vzUlx9YIbeyRsUr4PFVGelH93zttpQmns9-JYTbmJ/s400/IMG_2079.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cheddar Gorge complete with stream following the downpour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
With the Gorge done there was a nice fast decent and as I knew there were no other major climbs left in the day I felt pretty positive. This all soon changed however as the sky clouded over and the rain started again in earnest. I was soon soaked to the skin and with no blue sky in sight I knew it was set in for the day.<br />
<br />
It was at this point that I started questioning my reasoning for doing the ride, knowing that once the day was over I still had another five to go. My mood only worsened when my Garmin once again froze and I turned it back on to find that the 15 miles I thought I had left was actually 25. There was one moment when the sun started to come out and a rainbow appeared and I thought the rain might end but it only seemed to get heavier.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4aO7Ma4LcDq0RtOvIwHBgE-NTHrrxOAimlYK0nteYcaUPPambzLeWFb60zCWj0DWsmnWY4-za6U5CFzJEkGG7OC5VGt_GszOooYg7jQ3leNwQ5pTDTSU9NuKPSAbbVIh1fU3ar7fMuoX/s1600/IMG_2080.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl4aO7Ma4LcDq0RtOvIwHBgE-NTHrrxOAimlYK0nteYcaUPPambzLeWFb60zCWj0DWsmnWY4-za6U5CFzJEkGG7OC5VGt_GszOooYg7jQ3leNwQ5pTDTSU9NuKPSAbbVIh1fU3ar7fMuoX/s400/IMG_2080.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rainbow towards the end of the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I arrived at my accommodation in Playley Green in low spirits and started to get myself warmed up and my clothes dried off. Following a nice meal I saw that the next days forecast was looking better and this coupled with the fact I would be returning home for a night in Manchester helped brighten my mood.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-75289258853999137462012-05-06T22:15:00.000+01:002012-05-06T22:15:41.087+01:00Day 1: Land's End - HeleWith the day looking like a good one for cycling we set the alarm set for 6am and set out for Land's End from our accommodation near Marazion. The drive down to the start was beautiful although it did leave me pondering the logic of Kerri driving me down a road I was going to ride back up a few minutes later.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHbaqJmWRzKxD16VawM2dYYELCKgJea1SiltwkaIbDIOWQZON2-YGy2cG0hdtyNsnw4hyWblAvRoka2HQcjg7A502vdWTMAY0rVXzhRYEyGB42Vn-4__r1NSWaAkUhvUoPU29PBICik14/s1600/IMG_2061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHbaqJmWRzKxD16VawM2dYYELCKgJea1SiltwkaIbDIOWQZON2-YGy2cG0hdtyNsnw4hyWblAvRoka2HQcjg7A502vdWTMAY0rVXzhRYEyGB42Vn-4__r1NSWaAkUhvUoPU29PBICik14/s400/IMG_2061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
After the obligatory photo's I set off shortly before 7.30am.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ElISR5YiszgEbVMT39ohxlRAl8qdK68eLAUa2Z5qffkhwkLIqKG2J6OA-LkM3ierf_C_S9ihJHLVtW65ITPKf0tHy69zZTxGg6Yg_u8AuWphX4Izoius5t7EP_0eU97ALN5Dvw6ghDWp/s1600/IMG_2060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ElISR5YiszgEbVMT39ohxlRAl8qdK68eLAUa2Z5qffkhwkLIqKG2J6OA-LkM3ierf_C_S9ihJHLVtW65ITPKf0tHy69zZTxGg6Yg_u8AuWphX4Izoius5t7EP_0eU97ALN5Dvw6ghDWp/s400/IMG_2060.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The first 52 miles were on the A30, a good portion of which is dual
carriageway, and I wanted to get them out of the way whilst the roads
were still quiet. Light winds and adrenaline inducing traffic speeds
meant I made good time and was off the busy road by 11am in time to meet
Kerri for a spot of lunch.<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDGc23JoORketEWoAb-iJhNrI0CSAWjbAmc_UqnNssOCYgsjUvy6q2-A1EUxaCIgWm3gv8Pb7hpztlcrER3Iw00PuQ-9PG5vY1IO7ZgsI3HKLo4GkIG5LBagq8cWi2evgi7xOi9Z271pR/s1600/IMG_2062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDGc23JoORketEWoAb-iJhNrI0CSAWjbAmc_UqnNssOCYgsjUvy6q2-A1EUxaCIgWm3gv8Pb7hpztlcrER3Iw00PuQ-9PG5vY1IO7ZgsI3HKLo4GkIG5LBagq8cWi2evgi7xOi9Z271pR/s400/IMG_2062.JPG" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the A30 is picturesque...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPNka6_SVbP7m1GfPtlmn9ATNOnqBQXFdlDCq8xAor4urrZSRolF4pXy7cLYDZTeA6WY4Ii4gIMQUJzdroTVKIOT5H9Ig_TPlz3UAV9fGVesMtblxp3kdavZR_m4o4tDgN68aIIRFnErv/s1600/IMG_2065.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBPNka6_SVbP7m1GfPtlmn9ATNOnqBQXFdlDCq8xAor4urrZSRolF4pXy7cLYDZTeA6WY4Ii4gIMQUJzdroTVKIOT5H9Ig_TPlz3UAV9fGVesMtblxp3kdavZR_m4o4tDgN68aIIRFnErv/s400/IMG_2065.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">... whereas other parts, not so much</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
With the A30 behind me I moved on to better cycling roads, a combination of country lanes and quiet A/B roads. With the smaller roads came bigger gradients however and I found it hard to keep my heart rate down - keeping in mind that going too deep into my reserves would leave me fatigued in the coming days. The smaller gearing I fitted last week definitely came in handy.<br />
<br />
Having been promised a feast at my second stop of the day at West Chilla I wasn't disappointed. Kerri's cousin Jonathan and his wife Wendy had prepared the biggest pan of pasta I have ever seen along with many other delights including a delicious chocolate flapjack baked by their children Billy and Heidi (with a hand from Wendy!). After a long break and copious amounts of food we were sent on our way with the leftovers to have later in the day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k-r1rk_VfJZFbcLE4q1kNj6BpSEYKBWCj7vl92M-HmpugLdcZmlPTVggd0nDgCdcqwjeMvUs8ccKzkGOX5NC4d8rOoC3swfEcnWKXKSHEZTVGlhD-bjokHFGYKL7N5pqhQQePuCnnh2n/s1600/IMG_2068.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6k-r1rk_VfJZFbcLE4q1kNj6BpSEYKBWCj7vl92M-HmpugLdcZmlPTVggd0nDgCdcqwjeMvUs8ccKzkGOX5NC4d8rOoC3swfEcnWKXKSHEZTVGlhD-bjokHFGYKL7N5pqhQQePuCnnh2n/s400/IMG_2068.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quieter roads after the A30</td></tr>
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Still having 40 miles to go meant the day was far from over but fuelled up to my ears the final third of the day passed pretty swiftlly - at least in my head if not on the speedo! The 16mph average I had started out with had been gradually decreasing since I left the A30 as I tried to take it easier on the hillier roads and enjoy the ride. Despite ominous grey clouds making appearances throughout the day I made it to our accommodation in Hele without seeing a drop of rain, tired but satisfied after a great first day in the saddle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stormy skies but no rain</td></tr>
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-22771905305004742422012-05-05T20:01:00.000+01:002012-05-06T22:15:58.231+01:00Day 0: The Beautiful South*<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIfHt3myFe5VRueo3WpFHC7SUKtH3dogdB5SVObOMo-dxWSn62uiXIZxm89cO2KUR72aY38YeObQZ4tM-lFT009Bw7tOMbdRBndVirrxmHd94eyd0qFvSZ7_5UfY0VzeOaFT77ToTWtPo/s1600/IMG_2045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIIfHt3myFe5VRueo3WpFHC7SUKtH3dogdB5SVObOMo-dxWSn62uiXIZxm89cO2KUR72aY38YeObQZ4tM-lFT009Bw7tOMbdRBndVirrxmHd94eyd0qFvSZ7_5UfY0VzeOaFT77ToTWtPo/s400/IMG_2045.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View from our first night's accommodation</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sunday's weather forecast</td></tr>
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*I have a couple of days worth of cycling until I'm out of the South so this verdict may be subject to change<br />
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<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-43256460240024081802012-05-04T18:51:00.001+01:002012-05-06T22:16:13.325+01:00Final PreparationsThis week I have been making final preparations for the ride which has mainly involved eating and checking the weather forecasts. The former has been quite enjoyable whilst the latter has looked more promising as the week has gone on. At first it seemed that I would have a block headwind with the wind coming from East North East on Sunday and then from North North East on the Monday - pretty much the directions I'll be heading each day. This has now changed with the latest forecasts showing a South-Easterly wind on Sunday and a South-Westerly on Monday giving a cross- and a tailwind respectively. <br />
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Usually I wouldn't be too bothered about the wind as rides normally start and finish in the same place, so it tends to even itself out over the day - if you head out into a headwind then you get a tailwind on the way back. When you're riding point to point it's a different matter and you only need to look at my average speeds on my commute this week to see how much of an effect it has. In the mornings I have been riding into a headwind and averaging about 15mph whilst in the evenings I have had the wind behind me and have averaged about 20mph - although maybe I'm more motivated on the ride home... <br />
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I have also changed my cassette from a 11-25 to a 12-28 giving me slightly lower gearing. This means I now have the option of going a bit slower up the hills in order to not tire myself out too much. I have also fitted a nice shiny new chain to go with it and went out for a test ride yesterday evening up Ramsbottom Rake, the steepest hill in the area, the theory being if I can get up a 25% hill with full panniers then I should be able to get up anything. I seemed to manage ok considering how much I've struggled up it in the past although I'm not sure how much of that was down to the gearing and how much is down to my improved fitness. I haven't been up the hill for a while as it's been closed for what I thought was resurfacing but it turns out they were just replacing the handrail at the side of the road that pedestrians use to haul themselves up the steep gradient.<br />
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Tonight I will be baking flapjack, making sure I have all my gear together and getting things sorted for tomorrow's drive down to Penzance. I will be checking everything twice as I don't want to end up in Cornwall only to realise I've left my bike shoes in Manchester! I'll also have to check our ten year old car as it will be putting in a big shift over next couple of days as will my girlfriend Kerri who will be doing a substantial amount of driving. At least Kerri agreed to help out whereas the Fiesta won't know what's hit it.<br />
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Finally you may have noticed I've added a couple of things to the blog so you can follow my ride. The first is a map at the top of my blog which should plot my journey via the locations in my tweets, hopefully this will work and give you an idea of where I am in the country during my ride. Secondly I have added a list of my rides on the right via Strava which should show you how many miles I've done each day and how long it's taken me.<br />
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-2453644683633120582012-04-30T18:53:00.000+01:002012-04-30T18:53:09.747+01:00Equipment<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm sure some of you will have been very disappointed in the last couple of blogs. "What about the luggage cliff-hanger?" I imagine you are wondering. Well, wonder no more, you'll be pleased to hear that I have gone with a rack and panniers. I had initially chosen the handlebar bag option but it turned out it didn't fit my bars and I had a change of heart as I might get more use out of panniers in the future. The </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">two 9 litre panniers should also give me a little more room and will carry the weight in a better position on the bike.</span><br />
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I tested them out on Sunday riding out to marshal at the Wheelers Road Race and back on what was an extremely wet and windy day. A couple of hours sheltering under trees and popping out every 15 minutes to hold a red flag isn't the most fun way to spend your time and I for one was very pleased when the commissaires decided to shorten the race due to the conditions. I think some of those racing were of the same view given how long it was taking them trying to warm up again back at the race HQ. The panniers held up ok though holding my change of clothes and multiple waterprof layers.<br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">All I need to do now if cram everything I need for my LEJoG into them and as such I have been finalising my equipment list. It currently stands as follows:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Bike clothing:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">2x bib shorts, 2x long sleeve base layer, windstopper short sleeve base layer, jersey, gilet, rain jacket, arm warmers, leg warmers, 2x socks, windstopper gloves, waterproof gloves, overshoes, SPD shoes, glasses, helmet</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Off bike clothing:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Long sleeve t-shirt, 3/4 length shorts, socks</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Tools & maintenance:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3x inner tubes, tyre jack, patches, glue, tyre levers, mini-pump, pump adaptor, multitool (allen keys, screwdrivers, chain tool, spoke key), zip ties, chainlinks, tape, possibly spare chain & foldable tyre</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Accessories:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Garmin, maps, 2x rear light, front light, 2x water bottles, lock, batteries</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Other:</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">FOOD! (flapjack, malt loaf, energy gels), energy & recovery drink powder, chamois cream, first aid kit, money, cards, keys, phone, phone & Garmin chargers</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I did have some summer gloves on the initial list I drew up a couple of months ago but unless the weather changes dramatically i think I can forget about them - I am now considering taking my winter jacket! I'm also pondering taking a spare folding tyre in case I have a tyre related disaster and a spare chain just in case but that will depend on room in the panniers. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I'm hoping I haven't forgotten anything important!</span><br />
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-76156586315544311562012-04-26T21:50:00.001+01:002012-04-26T21:50:13.985+01:00The route<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">With the last of the big training rides completed this week I have been putting some flesh on the bones of my route and it is looking like this:</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Day 1, Sunday 6<sup>th</sup> May: </span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Land’s End - Hele (136 miles)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The first day’s ride looks like being the longest and also possibly the hardest as Cornwall is a notoriously hilly county, especially once you get off the main roads. I’m hoping to make as earlier a start as possible and cover a significant chunk of the route on the A30 before peeling off after about 50 miles and <span style="font-family: inherit;">hopefully</span> finding some quieter roads. With around 9,000ft of climbing in the day I will be happy to reach my first night’s accommodation in Hele near Exeter.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Day 2, Monday 7<sup>th</sup> May: </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Hele - Playley Green (123 miles)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The second day will see me skirt around Bristol via the Cheddar Gorge to Playley Green, which is about 10 miles north of Gloucester. A shorter day and, other than the Gorge, a relatively flat route should hopefully give me chance to recover a bit from the difficult first day.</span><b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Day 3, Tuesday 8<sup>th</sup> May: </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Playley Green - Manchester (135 miles)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Day three takes me up to my home in North Manchester. A longer day at 135 miles and, whilst initially the route will be quite lumpy, once I get to Cheshire the roads will flatten out and knowing that I’m not far from home should give me a psychological boost.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Day 4, Wednesday 9<sup>th</sup> May: </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Manchester - Gretna (129 miles)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">After leaving the home comforts behind I will set off through Bolton up to Preston and then on through Lancaster and Carlisle to Gretna. The morning will see a bit of climbing over the West Pennine Moors before flattening out on the A6 until it gets to Shap Fell and once that climb is crested the remaining 46 miles will be mostly downhill.</span><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Day 5, Thursday 10<sup>th</sup> May: </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Gretna - Callander <span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">(119 miles)</span></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Scotland. Home of the Scottish. The first part of the day will be on the B7076 which runs parallel to the A74(M)/M74 with the road gradually climbing until past Moffat. From there it's downhill to Hamilton before heading over the Crow Road giving a few nasty kicks up towards the end of the day in the Trossachs National Park.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Day 6, Friday 11<sup>th</sup> May: </b></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"><b>Callendar - Drumnadrochit <span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">(133 miles)</span></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The majority of Day 6 will be spent on the A84 as I wind my way out out of the National Park towards Fort William and then up the lochs to Drumnadochit. This will see a fair bit of climbing in the morning but the second half of the day will follow the lochs and hopefully shouldn't have too many significant climbs.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Day 7, Saturday 12<sup>th</sup> May: </span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Drumnadrochit - John O'Groat's (135 miles)</span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">The final leg starts with the biggest climb of the day up to Muir of Ord, which I suppose is a boost as it gets it out of the way, before joining up with the A9 at Tain. I follow this road (which seems to have a lot of hills for a coastal road!) past Helmsdale and up towards Wick before branching off the A roads for the last 30 miles into John O'Groats. With around 910 miles to cover in the week I might end up being glad of the fact that the days get longer as you head further North. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4TVXK89cTQ1XSx9NjDjLUvzITh6FWjsW345ObMdDNAVlSV5PqK6376xrcaqKGBluSY2vR8bL8GtJnYFvzdtjy1lSEzBwjnIM4JcumqQK_Cq1YirOLYocgz35SPVqRFXAI8HL7Tk0FULS/s1600/Day7.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii4TVXK89cTQ1XSx9NjDjLUvzITh6FWjsW345ObMdDNAVlSV5PqK6376xrcaqKGBluSY2vR8bL8GtJnYFvzdtjy1lSEzBwjnIM4JcumqQK_Cq1YirOLYocgz35SPVqRFXAI8HL7Tk0FULS/s320/Day7.png" width="207" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a></div>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-54895929160376800772012-04-23T22:22:00.000+01:002012-04-23T22:22:59.315+01:005 things I learnt at the weekend<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">1: Be prepared for any weather</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">On Saturday the weather forecast showed heavy showers all day and fairly low temperatures. Winter jacket weather, thought I, as it would be ideal for those conditions as it’s fairly waterproof and would mean I didn’t have to keep stopping to put my waterproof on/take it off again. As it turned out I barely saw a drop of rain all day and ended up roasting away in my big jacket as I was either that or strip down to a short sleeve jersey with the jacket tied around my waist! A few different clothing options would have been great.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">2: Don’t get carried away</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">On Sunday there was a Wheelers club run starting from Clitheroe. An ideal opportunity to get some extra miles in by riding out to the meeting point (rather than getting the train/driving out like the the others were doing) and a bonus that another Wheeler, Will, decided to ride out with me. Unfortunately for me he is a much faster rider than I am and in keeping pace with him I arrived in Clitheroe after 27 miles of what probably equated to a mild warm up for him but a brisk training run for me. This probably wasn’t the best preparation for the 85 miles that were still to come. Which leads on to:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">3: Eat</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Don’t forget to eat. Upon arrival at Clitheroe I was hoping the bike shop/cafe would be open and I could grab a bite to eat and a drink. It wasn’t. Never mind, I had plenty of flapjack in my pocket to keep me going. Which it did until about 70 miles into the ride when I hit the (metaphorical) wall, the rain hit me and my bike hit the Trough of Bowland. Luckily one of my fellow riders saw I was struggling and gave me a helping hand (literally), propelling both me and himself up the hill. I had made the mistake of ignoring the rumbling in my belly, thinking I could make it to the cafe stop ok, before cracking and barely being able to open an energy gel to keep me going. The torrential rain didn’t help, obviously the ride out hadn’t been too beneficial and I arrived at the cafe in Dunsop Bridge a shivering wreck of a man struggling to even eat or drink. I cannot thank Arnas enough for keeping an eye out for me and getting me up that hill. Once I’d got some food down me and got back on the bike I was ok (the liberal use of a nice warming hand dryer also helped!) but it was a pretty stupid mistake to make and one I’m glad I didn’t make when I was on my own.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">4: A week is a long time in cycling</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Or at least it is when you compare my planned journey time to the End to End cycling records. At the weekend I watched a documentary about former Manchester Wheeler John Woodburn who in 1982 broke the record for cycling from Land’s End to John O’Groats, completing the 848 miles in 1 day 21 hours and 3 minutes. It entertained me to hear John’s deadpan take on the ride and his no-nonsense approach to cycling, his response to the question of what he wanted to eat on one of his few short breaks during the ride being along the lines of “I dunno, biscuits or something”. Whilst John obviously put a huge amount of work into training for the ride and had many years of cycling behind him when he did it (he was in his forties at the time and a former national champion) he maintained that all long distance cycling is a case of mind over matter. Plenty of inspiration if any were needed. Incidentally John is still the record holder for the fastest time for riding from London to Bath and back - a record which is considered unbreakable - and has been doing 25 mile time trials in under an hour well into his seventies!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">5: Appreciate the high points</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">I’m pretty much at the end of my training for Land’s End to John O’Groats now. I have clocked up over 1,600 miles since I started in February and whilst there have been low points they have been vastly outnumbered by the highs. Each slog up a hill has been rewarded with a downhill on the other side and often a wonderful view at the top, with Anglezarke, Longridge Fell and Sunday’s views over the Yorkshire Dales being prime examples. The encounters with irate drivers have been vastly outweighed by the companionship of those I have shared rides with and the courtesy of most people I have met on the roads. On Saturday’s ride one driver even pulled over to let me past on a descent when I was cycling faster than she was driving (unfortunately the roles were soon reversed when I reached the bottom of the hill!). Whilst I have been doing all these rides as part of my training it would be a bit of a misnomer to call them training rides when they have been so enjoyable to do. I can only hope that the Land’s End to John O’Groats ride itself is as much fun.</span><br />
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a> </div>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-54489994226651428492012-04-16T21:35:00.000+01:002012-04-16T21:35:01.005+01:00Going the distanceThree weeks to go until the LEJoG and Saturday was my longest ride of the year so far; I managed to cover 127.5 miles so it was bang in the range of what I'll need to be doing come May. I didn't feel too bad considering this was 25% more than I'd done in any other ride this year, although the fact it was out on the Cheshire plains rather than in the hills helped. Having said that, the North Easterly wind didn't do us any favours on the way back - I hope the wind change back to the usual prevailing South Westerly by 6th May.<br />
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On Sunday I decided I would benefit most from a relaxed recovery ride and did a 28 mile loop in the hills. Sometimes it's difficult to stop yourself from going as fast as you can but Sunday I managed to take it easy, although when you're hitting 15%+ gradients it is never <i>that</i> easy. I was particularly pleased that I managed to rein myself in on the Radcliffe New Road climb on which I had recently lost my <a href="http://www.strava.com/segments/radcliffe-new-road-992962" target="_blank">Strava King of the Mountains</a> title on! It will be mine again one day! <br />
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I also booked my remaining nights of accommodation over the weekend so I
now have a rough outline for the route and need to get down to
the detailed planning. I have plotted routes for the first couple of
days whilst the 3rd and 4th days will be into and out of Manchester so
should be easy enough to sort out; it's when you start looking at
Scotland that things start to get interesting. Whereas around here there
are plenty of route options once you get North of the
border the choice is far more restricted and I'll have to be more meticulous in choosing roads, because if the route needs to be changed mid ride it could end up costing me an extra 20 miles or so.<br />
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Another thing that I really should have sorted weeks ago is my luggage. Initially
I was planning on getting a bar bag and using this combined with a
large saddle bag, thus ensuring I didn't end up taking too much stuff. I have recently been having second thoughts on this though and may end up going down the more traditional route of rack and panniers. Tune in next time to find out how this cliff hanger ends! <br />
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-4946242809865816902012-04-11T21:33:00.000+01:002012-04-11T21:33:59.502+01:00And Relax...So, the week of training is over. 330 miles in 7 days, I think I can safely say that's the most I've done in one week. The only problem is that will only amount to 2.5 days of Land's End to John O'Groats! It ended up being slightly shorter than planned mainly due to the weather not being particularly inviting. It also got to the point where I started wondering what benefit I was getting from just churning out the miles.<br />
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Saturday was actually quite a nice day weather wise and I got out in the morning for a spin round Rivington and back. My legs had taken a bit of a battering over the first three days and felt really heavy on Friday's club run so I just took it easy on Saturday and used the ride as a bit of a recovery.<br />
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It seemed to do the trick as on Sunday I felt the best I've felt for a while on the bike, it was one of those days when you feel like your legs have endless energy. I ended up setting new personal bests up a couple local climbs without ever feeling like I was absolutely hammering it. Maybe watching Tom Boonen solo to victory from 50km out in Paris-Roubaix that afternoon provided a bit of motivation or maybe the night out on Saturday actually helped!The only regret I have was not going out earlier on Sunday and getting some more miles in, especially given the weather we had on Monday.<br />
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Given the choice of spending the day in front of bank holiday telly eating Easter eggs or riding my bike for 80 miles in the rain I know which I'd usually choose. And it was apparently the former that the majority of people chose given that I didn't see one other road cyclist out on their bike on Monday. I had to get the miles in however so out into the rain I went and it wasn't too bad a day until I was cycling back through Manchester after 70-odd miles.<br />
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Spending the amount of time I do cycling on the roads you get used to drivers getting annoyed when you hold them up for a couple of seconds. Usually this only amounts to a honking of their horn or a hurling of abuse from an open window. Monday was my first experience of a driver who not only did both of these things but also seemed to think that attempting to run a cyclist off the road is an appropriate course of action. Once the adrenalin has died down these incidents don't normally affect me but it depresses me that he saw fit to do this whilst he had two small children in the car with him. I'm also left annoyed that I didn't get his numberplate so I could report him.<br />
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That just left Tuesday for another short recovery ride and the week was done. I still feel like I need to do more preparation before the ride and I'm conscious that I've got less than four weeks to go. The next two weekends I will be packing the miles in with long back to back rides before taking it a bit easier before the LEJoG itself. I also have lots of planning to do in terms of finalising the route, booking the last couple of night's accommodation and sorting out my equipment I need. I best get cracking!<br />
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-50288217931788298982012-04-06T18:53:00.000+01:002012-04-07T12:55:32.543+01:00Winter is Back!It seems that I was wrong about spring being here! A week after writing about getting sunburnt and temperatures being in the twenties today it was a question of fighting through the snow. I went on a clubrun today with the Wheelers up into the Peaks and most of the roads had only been cleared of snow yesterday. In fact on one minor road we ended up trekking through about a foot of snow, luckily it wasn't too far to the next main road. I suppose we should have expected it with the road being between the second highest pub in England and the highest village.<br />
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We managed to get a bit of spectating/supporting of our riders in the Buxton Mountain Time Trial up at Flash, although I spent most of it fixing a puncture I had somehow picked up whilst pushing my bike through the snow. It's never particularly fun having to fix a puncture at the side of the road but it was made more bearable by it being immediately before our cafe stop and having the knowledge that a bacon butty and a coffee were awaiting me.<br />
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Today was day 3 of my 7 day training block I'm doing in order to get used to riding back to back for a week and consisted of lots of hills over 79 miles. Days one and two were shorter affairs, the first being a few loops around a local circuit in Birch in order to avoid the snowy and windy hills. Yesterday I ventured into the hills north of Manchester only to find that one of the hills on my route was closed, not due to snow but because they are still resurfacing it. Given that it gets up to 25% at it's steepest maybe it was a blessing in disguise.<br />
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Tomorrow will be a shorter ride at an easier pace in order to help me recover from today's efforts. Sunday will again be a short ride fit in around watching probably the biggest one day race in cycling, the Paris-Roubaix, on tv before doing another longer ride in the Peaks on Monday. It is sobering to think that the mileage I have done over the last three days amounts to little more than one day's riding on the LEJoG, a reminder if any were needed how much of a challenge the ride will be.<br />
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-64117452393130049042012-03-30T22:46:00.000+01:002012-04-03T19:04:35.075+01:00Sunburn and FogWell, I think last weekend was the earliest in the year I have ever been sunburnt in the UK. The weather was truly glorious and I managed to get in 100 miles on Saturday and Sunday followed by another 50 on Monday evening. I say the weather was glorious, at least it was until we rode into Holmfirth on Sunday morning. It was the second time I have ridden over Saddleworth Moor into Holmfirth and both times I have encountered thick fog. The first was back in November when a bright sunny day in Manchester gave way to thick fog on the moors; I assume it was as soon as we crossed the border into Yorkshire.<br />
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This time the fog appeared on the descent into Holmfirth when the temperature suddenly dropped about 10 degrees and visibility was reduced to about a hundred feet or so. I think Yorskhire needs to learn how to be more accommodating to it's visitors - you don't get that kind of reception when you cycle into Derbyshire, Cheshire or Lancashire! It did provide us with great views, however, once we climbed back into the sunshine and could view the fog lying in the valley below. If I'd had the forethought to take a camera with me I could show you the view but as I didn't all I can say is that it was something like this but with one or two fewer sky scrapers:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_zX4AHxEQa6kr0EPZ0YAGZltLG_xElQ592FJUQ2FuzCd-_oEQd2qNZXf1lwjjCqMmxQM7xbnJMuMrW9y5E5Y_Lz8cnUGEzqbJf8Z3h0LIPL5E6aHkJe_jw6iz9Xy_Fpxtot1w-kLvkks/s1600/dubai-skyscrapers-fog_42697_990x742.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_zX4AHxEQa6kr0EPZ0YAGZltLG_xElQ592FJUQ2FuzCd-_oEQd2qNZXf1lwjjCqMmxQM7xbnJMuMrW9y5E5Y_Lz8cnUGEzqbJf8Z3h0LIPL5E6aHkJe_jw6iz9Xy_Fpxtot1w-kLvkks/s400/dubai-skyscrapers-fog_42697_990x742.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Obviously the sun was higher in the sky and there were more hills, but you get the idea.<br />
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Once we'd stopped off in a cafe for brews and bacon butties, it gave way to a bright, clear day. I'm glad it did because the cobbled climb we encountered on the way to Ripponden would have been a lot nastier if the ground had been wet - it was bad enough as it was. Still, at least the fog had stopped me being exposed to the sun for as long as I was on Saturday which had led to sunburnt wrists and nose.<br />
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This weekend is a weekend off for me as I will be helping my girlfriend Kerri celebrate a rather special birthday. However, starting sometime next week I am planning to do 7 days of back to back rides - not necessarily long distances each day but 30 miles on shorter day up to a hundred or more on longer days, the idea being to give me an idea of what it's like riding every day for a week. I'm suffering a bit with swollen lymph glands at the moment so the break comes at a good time, although that's assuming the weekend's celebrations will be less of a strain on my body than training!<br />
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-87251582944320894962012-03-23T19:06:00.000+00:002012-03-23T19:06:01.515+00:00Spring is Here!<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">It's official: not only is the weather distinctly spring-like but the clocks go forward this weekend, meaning more opportunities to get out in the daylight after work. I suppose I could have just got up an hour earlier each day these past few weeks and have had the same benefit, but I find that if I wake up and the time on my phone starts with a 7 it’s still too early for me to get out of bed! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">So far since in my LEJoG training I have been blessed with fairly good weather. Other than a bit of ice the first weekend back and one weekend of rain the weather has been unseasonably nice. This weekend is looking like the best of the lot: 17-19 degrees Celsius with wind speeds in single figures, although I'm sure it'll be a couple of degrees cooler in the hills.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;"></span><span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">Whilst it is obviously a huge bonus not to be spending my weekends out in cold and wet weather there is also a part of me that’s hoping the bad weather isn’t being saved up until the beginning of May. I’m not a superstitious man, nor am I a weather expert, but I’m pretty sure this weather is unlikely to last for the next month and a half. All I can hope is that the almost inevitable spell of bad weather comes and goes before May!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Tahoma","sans-serif"; font-size: 10pt;">In the meantime I will be making the most of the weather with a couple of 100 milers this weekend - see you in the Peak District! </span></div>
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<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a> </div>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-60816092446456387272012-03-17T10:20:00.000+00:002012-03-18T09:35:34.921+00:00Breaks & BikesThis weekend I'm layed up with a cold so have decided to incorporate a bit of a break into my training schedule. Hopefully the rest will do my body good and allow it to recover from the increased workload it's seen recently, enabling me to come back stronger next weekend. What it also does is give me a chance to talk about my bike.<br />
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The two months between being knocked off my old bike and finally getting a cheque out of the insurance company gave me plenty of time to think about the kind of bike I wanted. This is what I decided on:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGJrQvFo4JSOb2HjIu0lu4-O1wbeENIDBVeKhXHZ1FDcHsgQRP05G1ZcfiioGKVCgZUNrapZSKSnnqpyWf42EfIFEka8q4kJh6fbq5Bpg3hxhczG0g8r7jFbMGanoIcQ4alvlEQ-BKQVu/s1600/0004e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYGJrQvFo4JSOb2HjIu0lu4-O1wbeENIDBVeKhXHZ1FDcHsgQRP05G1ZcfiioGKVCgZUNrapZSKSnnqpyWf42EfIFEka8q4kJh6fbq5Bpg3hxhczG0g8r7jFbMGanoIcQ4alvlEQ-BKQVu/s400/0004e.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6844311760_a71db9aa62_b.jpg" target="_blank">Genesis Equilibrium</a></td></tr>
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For those of you that aren't at all interested in bikes: isn't it nice and red and shiny?!<br />
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For the rest of you it is a steel framed Genesis Equilibrium built up with various parts old and new. I chose it as I wanted something that was fast, comfortable and practical, and so far I think it fits the bill well. I also like how it combines old fashioned styling with a hint of modernity; it doesn't make too many concessions to current trends but nor does it look too retro.<br />
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These days you can get bike frames built out of various materials with carbon fibre, aluminium and titanium seeming to be the most popular. Historically, however, the default material was steel and, whilst the aforementioned materials surpass it in terms of lightness and stiffness, steel still takes a lot of beating in terms of ride quality. The previous road bikes I have ridden have mainly been aluminium and you can notice an immediate difference in the way the steel framed Equilibrium rides.<br />
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You don't get armchair like comfort - you can still tell the quality of the roads around here are pretty poor - but instead of rattling along you get more of a hum. It feels a lot less harsh than the aluminium frames I've ridden and when you're covering hundreds of miles that's a quality that's well worth having.<br />
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Yes, there is a weight penalty, with the Genesis frame and fork weighing almost 1kg more than my aluminium race frame with full carbon fork, but for the kind of riding I'm doing on it I think it's a price worth paying. It also has the advantage of being more easily repairable if it does come into contact with a car whereas my previous aluminium frame was a write-off. Along with a lifetime frame warranty hopefully this will add up to a bike for life.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-54338694079723960552012-03-12T19:56:00.000+00:002012-03-17T20:26:13.928+00:00Centuries<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">In
some fifteen years playing cricket I never got near to scoring a
century, mainly because I was a bowler but also due to my inability to
hit the ball with my bat. I became a specialist number 11 and tended to
use my pads more than my bat in an effort to hang around long enough to
enable whoever was batting at the other end to score a few runs. My
finest moment with the bat was a rare occasion when I was batting at
number 10 and I achieved a 45-ball duck. It did help us win the game
however, as the batter at the other end managed to score the 30-odd runs
we needed before I departed with the scores level leaving our even more
inept number 11 to see out a couple of balls and us to win the game in
the next over.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">Centuries
in cycling are another matter all together. Whilst you need a bit of
natural ability in order to score a century in cricket,</span><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> all that's required</span><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> to cycle 100 miles is a bit of time and effort. I
completed my first century of the year on Sunday and it’s always a
milestone you get a bit of satisfaction from reaching. Luckily the
80-odd mile club run I plotted along with the ride to the meeting point
and back (and a wrong turning or two along the way...) meant I reached
100 miles without having to add a few laps of the block on to the end of
the ride! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">The
ride was a welcome reminder of the effort that putting in 130 miles a
day is going to be. I could have quite happily got off the bike after 70
miles and feel it had been a good days cycling but I still had another
30 to go and will be doing another 30 on top of that come Land’s End –
John O’Groat’s. It has confirmed the need to get some back to back
century rides in and to do at least one 130 miler before May. It’s also
been very useful chatting to other people who have done the end to end
and picking up some hints and tips along the way.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0cm 0cm 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;">On
a separate note it was good to get back from the ride on Sunday and see
that Bradley Wiggins had won the prestigious week long stage race
Paris-Nice. Seeing the success that British riders are having
internationally always provides a bit of inspiration to get out there on
the bike and I don’t think there’s ever been such a good time to be a
fan of British road cycling. Watching the pro races, along with hearing
about club-mates experiences in the early season racing, is almost
enough to make me want to give it a go myself. However, I only need to
look at the times being posted on <a href="http://app.strava.com/athletes/150584" target="_blank">Strava</a> to see I am still a long way
off racing pace; maybe that could be something to look at later in the
year!</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a><span style="font-family: 'Tahoma','sans-serif'; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></div>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6250992675931377660.post-68059964757187910182012-03-04T19:48:00.000+00:002012-03-17T20:26:26.532+00:00Leopards and the British WeatherOne of the things you have to be prepared for when you're out on your bike is the vagaries of the British weather (I say British, to be honest I'm not an expert on weather elsewhere in the world but you do, apparently, get four seasons in one day here). To which end I purchased some new leg warmers and arm warmers this week.<br />
<br />
To the non-cyclist I'm sure leg warmers conjure up some Fame like thick woollen items of clothing that couldn't look anything but hilarious on a man. Those people need to get this image out of their heads and think of them more as lycra extensions for cycling shorts. I'm sure this won't be any less hilarious for some but for cyclists they're useful pieces of kit that mean you can have your legs covered on chilly mornings and roll them down when, or indeed if, the weather warms up.<br />
<br />
The warmers I purchased were Leopard Trek team replica's (not to be confused with leopard print), the professional cycling team who Andy Schleck rode for last year. I reasoned that if the gear would fit stick thin climber Schleck then they would be ok for my far from muscular physique. I found, however, that even the small arm warmers were loose on my mighty biceps - a job for Kerri and her sewing machine I think (the alternative being me putting on some upper body muscle which is unlikely to happen any time soon)!<br />
<br />
I didn't have to worry too much about the weather warming up this weekend. I tried to time Saturday's ride to miss the worst of the weather but inevitably caught a couple of showers. Overall though I couldn't complain as it was quite mild and I even witnessed a incredibly vivid rainbow whilst riding through Ashworth Valley.<br />
<br />
Sunday had the worse of the weather with the morning's constant rain meaning after half an hour the water had already seeped through my supposedly waterproof overshoes and soaked my feet through. By the time we got to our cafe stop the rain had also stopped, only to be replaced by strong winds, of both cross- and head- variety, on the return to Manchester. This made the second half of the ride a bit of a slog but it was good to get some significant mileage under my belt in difficult conditions.<br />
<br />
If I didn't have something to train towards it would have been very easy to decide against doing any cycling this weekend. It is certainly less appealing to venture out on the bike when it's wet and windy, especially compared to the previous weekends calm and dry conditions. Once out there, however, it's very rare that you regret it and it's unlikely that I'll learn to control the weather between now and May so any experience is good experience.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog" style="color: #3333ff; font-weight: bold;">https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/alangibsonlejog</a>Alan Gibworthhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17536550506882996859noreply@blogger.com0