This years Challenge is a big one, and not one that I think I’m entirely prepared for. Martin, my companion on the Newcastle to London 24 hour bike ride nearly two years ago (and sadly discontinued now) blazed a trail across the lake district last year on Man vs. Lakes 2017, and I’m joining him (with Sim, Angus, Robin, Jason, Hedges) this year.
There are a few snags to the plan. Continue reading “Challenge 2018”
So, the ride is over – and, as you may have read in Sarah’s excellent blog post, I crossed the line having omitted only one stage (which, given the atrocious conditions with strong head winds, I don’t feel at all guilty about). Martin feels that he has unfinished business with the Newcastle to London – a point which I entirely disagreed with when I crossed the line on Sunday. Continue reading “And they’re back!”
So, Ride24 has started. Weather warnings aside, Pascal and Martin are riding and only have 315 miles to go (though hopefully a lot less by the time you read this). They look pretty fresh-faced on the starting line, even (dare I say it?) a bit relaxed. Continue reading “And they’re off!”
In less than 12 hours, Pascal and Martin will be underway on the ride of their life! Pascal has just rung home after a last minute bit of serious ride prep (see the photo) to steady their nerves for a 9am start. Gulp! (And indeed, GULP! – You know who you are!) Continue reading ““Nervous as hell!””
With about five days left until the big event, I’m trying to be sanguine about my chances. Deep down I’m thinking “Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit – what have I signed up for?”, and those deep down voices are clamouring pretty loudly – making it hard for my optimistic little squeaks to be heard. I think Martin is feeling a little nervous too, although I quite like his mantra “It is what it is – we’ll give it our best shot”. Continue reading “Only 5 More Days to Go…”
Pascal will be thrilled to see this link posted as he found the whole Radio interview experience excruciatingly embarrassing after answering a simple question incorrectly (“My head had the right answered cued up but my mouth said something else.”) and feeling slightly flustered from then on. Continue reading “Radio interview – Listen to this!”
On Sunday, Pascal did a sportive (otherwise known as a training ride). It was a fair distance away so the boys and I opted to stay at home and track him remotely, whilst at the same time, sending encouraging messages to keep him going. Continue reading “Sunday bike ride update”
Desperately in need of a new cycling jersey, I decided to have one made which reflected something of my personality. Something whimsical, geeky and steampunk. Something to do with computers, perhaps. Something with my number one heroine on it. Hmm. Continue reading “An Excellent New Jersey”
Back on my bike again, the Lifeboat Patrol rides from Ilfracombe to Plymouth, with a stop off at Okehampton in the middle. Nineteen riders started, and nineteen riders finished (although one did have a little rest along the way), and we were joined by two support drivers to sweep up any stragglers, and to provide assistance in the event of any problems. Continue reading “Devon Coast to Coast”
I am not, as I may have mentioned previously, a runner. I don’t like it. I’m slow, it feels uncomfortable, and insufficient ground is covered for it to be interesting. Walking I like, because I can look around and take pictures. Cycling I like, because I can cover distances. But running falls uncomfortably between those two stools – too fast for photography, and too slow to actually get anywhere. Continue reading “Thame 10k”