Stuart's Etape 2010

La Marmotte 2012

2011-09-11T12:16:00.002+01:00

After a year off following the birth of Mr & Mrs T's first child I've decided to take on the Marmotte for 2012.

I've also decided to write a little blog too which can be found here.

All the very best

Stu T

Epilogue.....

2011-01-24T14:10:00.002Z

It's been a while

It certainly has. I wrote my last entry here back some time in July of last year. At the time I was naturally disappointed with how things turned out with illness preventing me from riding in the 2010 Etape.

But of course, that is all very much in the past.....

Truth be told I'm giving the Etape and other such adventures a miss during 2011. I've a new born son (Rory T born 11/1/11) and a proud mother to look after and spending the 10 - 15 hours a week out training during these early months of his life seems a tad selfish.

Of course. This certainly doesn't mean I wont look to do similar things in the future - say in perhaps 2012 or 2013.

In the meantime I'm keeping fit, am still cycling and am back running a couple of times a week too.

Thanks once again to all those who took a few mins out of their lives to read and to even pass a few comments once in a while.

All the best

Stuart T

A fond farewell & unfinished business

2010-07-20T14:27:00.003+01:00

There is always next year

So I didn't make it to the start line.

As I mentioned in my last post, a dodgy infection picked up the week before the event put paid to even thinking about sitting on a saddle let alone actually doing the damn thing.

Many thanks to everyone who took the time to comment on this slightly annoying turn of events. I feel humbled that anyone would see a reason to read my warblings and even more so that anyone would want to spend a few mins getting in touch

Of course, there's always next year

Things will be difficult. Come January and all being well I'll be a first time Dad. Naturally the forthcoming upheaval due to strike Mr & Mrs T's residence will be a strain although I'm determined (with Mrs T's blessing...... hooray!!) to make it to the start of next years event.

I've decided to continue with a blog on the training and perhaps on some of the aspects of early fatherhood too. Please feel free to drop by once in a while should you so desire.

A few final thoughts

I've really enjoyed writing this blog and likewise in reading about other people who are similarly minded. I wish you all the best, great health and perhaps I'll see you in 2001

Chapeau & cheers to you all!

So that's it. My Etape's over for this year....

2010-07-12T18:29:00.002+01:00

Oh bother.....

Yes, sadly the title is quite correct. With less than a week to go I've decided (no, I've been forced....something about insurance...) to listen to medical advice and withdraw from this years Etape.

I'll not go into too much detail other than saying I'm not injured. My dodgy IT band is fully mended - physically and mentally I'm stronger than ever.

That said, sadly I've managed to come down with a nasty infection within what I'll politely call the "gentleman's area".

I tried a gentle spin this morning. Ouch. I honestly couldn't sit still on the saddle for longer than a few mins. A quick trip to my GP later in the day confirmed 8 hours of riding come this weekend was i) not possible and ii) a very stupid idea.

Naturally I'm gutted

Like many others I've been looking forward to this week since October of last year. I've enjoyed the training, made lots of new friends and am fitter and lighter than I've ever been.

Of course there's always next year. I had hoped to ride the Marmotte and the Etape in 2011 although with Mrs T expecting our first in January I'm thinking this aim is a little on the high side.

Good luck everyone

I honestly wish everyone an awesome ride come this weekend and I look forward to reading about your days in the blogs.

It looks like this little journey and blog is winding up a week or two earlier than I'd planned. I think I'll post one more entry in a weeks time although other than that, it seems a sensible time to call it a day.

It's been great. I've loved it and of course. There's always next year.

Really? I need to leave my bike at the start overnight?

2010-07-09T10:23:00.007+01:00

Final prep

Like a few others no doubt I've been going through the last few details for the Etape logistics.

Boring? Perhaps - although essential to get correct as I'd be mighty annoyed if I wasn't able to ride for not having done something as silly as not printing my registration note to take to the number collection point the day before the event.

Parc Ferm

The only thing that's slightly worrying me is the idea of needing to leave my bike at the start point the day before. I'm told it will be well looked after and that there's no chance it will be tampered with, stolen or even looked at wrongly although still, I'm not happy with this arrangement.

Is this the same for everyone (I'm with French Cycling Holidays)or just something my tour organisers have put in place?

Clearly things are what they are and I cant change the situation. That said, I really shouldn't have to worry about such simple things after the months of training. I hadn't figured for needing to do an all over bike check at 6am the day of the Etape when I'll be half asleep and no doubt quite tetchy with nerves.

Then of course theres the small matter of insurance. I've checked. My pride and joy wont be covered and no, I cant get any additional cover.

Good grief

Deep breaths Stuart. Things will be fine...........

Packing the bike box

2010-07-07T10:46:00.002+01:00

I've never been a fan of packing for any holiday and with the added complexity of lugging a 20kg bike box to the South of France I find myself writing this post with a fervent grump on.

Unpacking, well I'm even worse at that. Suitcases and travel bags tend to sit in my hallway or upstairs landing for a minimum of a week while their contents gently evaporate into the washing machine or back in the cupboards.

But anyways. The bike box is packed and stands proud where I normally put the annual Xmas tree. It looks rather good - resplendent in black with a somewhat grotesque Shimano sticker across it.

List of things I'm taking:

So here's the full list of kit I've decided to take for anyone interested.....

- The R3. Naturally.
- 4 Inner tubes, 3 of which I'll carry on the day. The other being for those just in case moment
- 5 CO2 canisters, 4 of which I'll carry on the day.
- A track pump
- 3 Jerseys
- 3 bib shorts
- A spare set of cleats
- Bottles
- About 10 energy bars / gels
- Zip ties and Gaffer tape (there's almost nothing that cant be fixed with a combination of these two items)
- Chamois cream
- Gillet & thin rain coat. I'll decide which one to pack on the day
- Arm warmers
- A couple of bin bags to wrap up in at the start
- A few plasters and anti-septic wipes

Things I'm not taking:

And may regret having not done so.....

- A mini pump
- A chain tool
- Leg warmers
- Shoe covers
- A spare chain

I'm having major second thoughts about not taking that mini pump.

For a while I'll have a few "normal" Sundays thank you very much

2010-07-05T09:12:00.004+01:00

So that's it. Like many other's, I awoke today thinking the hard part of this years Etape is over.

While the last couple of months haven't been the easiest with an annoying knee problem that seems to flare up after 4 hours in the saddle, I'm happy to be starting the taper before the big event in 13 days time. This should give me plenty of time to rest up and get the legs ready, and willing, to perform.

Since January I've ridden close to 6,000kms and boy do my legs feel it. I spent yesterday's long ride getting some more hilly miles under my belt.

Clearly the hills of Berkshire are little match for those of the Pyrenees although if they were good enough for the '08 tour of Brittan then they are good enough for me.....

But seriously, all that's left is to rest, stay healthy and actually do the thing.

Planning the Taper

2010-07-02T13:20:00.003+01:00

I've not blogged for a while. Work has taken me backwards and forwards to Germany, Ireland and a few days in Boston which was nice enough although naturally it cut into the time on the bike.

With only two weeks I've one last big ride to look forward to. After a hilly 6 hours this coming Sunday I'll be moving into the taper to make sure I'm fully fit, healthy and rested for the big day.

I'll post some more details on these plans on Monday.

On a different note, it seems I'm likely to be quite busy come the new year.

While I'm not about to set up a Twitter site I would like to say Mrs T is expecting. It's our first and as a few people can expect I'm as nervous as I am excited.

I'm thinking my plans to ride next years Etape and the Marmotte need a reappraisal.

Germany calling

2010-06-23T10:50:00.002+01:00

I find myself back in Germany for work. Dusseldorf to be slightly more exact.

As I've said a few times before really like it here and I can image work taking me here on a more semi permanent basis over the next year or so.

As I type I'm sitting along side the Rhine. People are out and about sunbathing, chatting and by the looks of it there's quite a bit of courting going on too.

I'm hoping the office WiFi holds out long enough for me to make this post before heading back inside. As for the odd break, If the smokers can take a 15min break every hour or so then why cant I do the same?

Anyway. 3 days off the bike with time to prepare for the following:

1) Final bike prep. A full rebuild of the R3 is set for July 1st. I wont call it a service as I was told not to. Sod it. It's a service...
2) Nutrition prep. I've almost worked out what I'll be doing although I hear there may be an option of paying for private water stops. This needs looking into
3) One last sportive. I'm thinking this weekends Henley 100.

Back to work...

So how's the tan going?

2010-06-21T08:31:00.006+01:00

Post removed

BG Fit - A quick Update

2010-06-17T16:16:00.002+01:00

Well so far so good

Two days and 124km later I'm very happy to say the changes made to my positioning as part of my recent BG Fit seem to have been successful.

My IT band doesn't seem to be grumbling quite as much as in the past few weeks and what's more, I'm certain I'm getting more power into each stroke.

In fact, I know this to be true having last evening taken a full 5 mins off my PB for a local 70km. That's right. A full 5mins!! I know what you are thinking in as much as I tanked it round in zone 4.... Not true. I set this PB with a lower average HR than ever before.

I wish I had had this fit back in Jan.......

The Down Side

Sadly there has been one down side to the fit. My position on the saddle has changed. I'm sitting much further back in the seat and less on the nose which has had one downside in as much as parts my Gentleman's area rub against the saddle's seam where previously they hadn't.

Nice.

After 124 kms and close to 22,000 pedal revolutions I have a tiny zit sized sore to get rid off that when purched on the saddle puts me in mind of the old Princess and the Pea story.

But anyways. I'm sure I'll be fine.

BG Fit - Two Hours Very Well Spent

2010-06-15T15:28:00.005+01:00

The Fit

After my recent work trips abroad I've been due a day or two off in holiday time.

Rather than sit around the house and watch the World Cup and given my recent troubles with my IT Band I decided to get myself a full and proper bike fit from the very good people at Sigma Sport

I opted for the Specialized BG Fit as it seemed to be the most comprehensive offering thats available to us mere mortals.

Well if its good enough for him.....

Working from your goals, flexibility (I can put both palms flat on the floor with straight legs if you ask...) and taking into account any injuries the chaps looking after me made the following changes:

1) The addition of shoe wedges

Both of my feet need additional support to stop the heals rolling inward during the pedal cycle with the end result being more stability and greater power transfer which of course is a good thing.

2) My stem was too long and saddle too far forward

We swapped out my 110mm stem for one thats 100mm in length and pushed back my saddle a good few cms too. This pushed my weight back towards the rear of the bike and aligned the balls of my feet over the pedal axels. Again, the end result of these changes being more power and stability through the pedal stroke.

3) My saddle was too low

My saddle ended up a few mms higher which doesn't sound much although I felt the benefit almost immediately with my pelvis feeling solid and stable all the way through the pedal motion.

4) My cleats were too close to the bottom bracket

Which was putting pressure on my IT bands by having them travel in an unnatural position while going through the cycle motion.

The things you learn......

Conclusions

Perhaps a little early to tell although in the 20 or so mins I was on the turbo this morning with the gents looking after the fit I felt great. £120 is a lot of money to spend although I figure I'd spend much more than that in Physio visits if things with my leg stay as they are so perhaps the trade off is worth it in the long run.

I keep saying it but my body felt solid and more stable both in and out of the saddle. What's more, I felt no stress in my dodgy IT band.

OK. So getting a fit like this that's totally changed the biomechanics of my cycling style just 4 and 1/2 weeks before the Etape is a risk.

But it's one that's worth taking. Of that I'm certain.

I'm off out for a ride. Finger crossed.

Etape 2010 elimination times are up....

2010-06-10T12:14:00.005+01:00

I'm back from my trip abroad and have found the route and elimination times are up on the Etape website.

We have 11.5 hours to get from Pau to the Tourmalet.

I'm not wanting to tempt fate but this seems to give a minimum average speed of around 16km/h (9.8 mph).

Of course our speed will need to be higher as the elimination time starts from the first rider over the line. I'll need to remember that.

I wonder how many people will forget and get caught out?

Easy days and travel

2010-06-09T20:55:00.004+01:00

Thankfully, and I NEVER thought I'd ever think it that let alone write it, work has taken me overseas over the past few days which has meant a period of enforced rest.

I've spent a day enjoying the Irish hospitality of Dublin and then as I type you find me in a cafe in the beautiful German city of Dusseldorf.

I like it here. Its warm if a little showery which seems a fair improvement of the weather back home in the UK.

As for my little niggle in the right leg area, well things are looking up. The stretching and work with the basket ball in leu of a foam roller seems to be paying off. Things feel looser and I'm beginning to feel better and less inclined to worry about the few weeks that are ahead before the Etape.

I'll mind how I go and hopefully things will continue to look up.

Anyhooo. I'm off for a beer.

Back to the UK tomorrow.

There's no time to take any risks....

2010-06-03T13:23:00.002+01:00

As I said last time, the Dragon can wait.

So against my usual poor judgement I've decided not to partake in this years Dragon Ride due to the slight niggle that's become my right IT band.

Naturally from a selfish point of view I'm disappointed as like many others, I'd hoped to use the event as a yardstick to my overall fitness, group riding and bike handling skills.

The old me, the one of say 10 or 15 years ago would have ridden on regardless although I'm acutely aware my powers of recuperation and bodily repair are not what they were.

The Etape remains the priority and anything else purely window dressing.

Thankfully this little problem of mine doesn't seem to be getting worse and I'm certainly in a better position than Rob, one of my Etape colleagues, whose ride come July seems to be quite touch and go due to a similar IT Band issue.

So what should I do to make sure I'm there in Pau come July?

1) Stretching, stretching and stretching

Something I've clearly overlooked in the past few months. I'm now facing a near religious devotion to stretching that IT Band. Morning, noon night, at the coffee machine in the shower.... everywhere

2) Over the counter Drugs

Ibuprofen. A long time friend of mine. 3 times a day.

3) Ice

3 times a day for 20 mins. Always fun to roll up the trouser leg while at work. While people stare no-one says a thing.

4) No hills for 2 weeks.

Easy spinning on the bike to limit fitness loss while avoiding adding additional pressure and stress on the IT band.

So that's about it.

Good luck to everyone riding this weekend. I'm jealous of you all.

The wait is over - my Etape number is.......

2010-06-01T17:01:00.005+01:00

Very quick post here.... Looks like the numbers for the UK folk are starting to come through.

These can be found here

My number is listed as 2784 - could have been far far worse.......

Good luck everyone else!!

It looks like the dragon can wait

2010-06-01T14:24:00.002+01:00

As some of you may know, this coming weekend, well actually on Sunday the 6th of June to be precise, sees the annual running of The Dragon Ride.

Coming in at a testing 190km through the Welsh hills I'd hoped this to be a real test of my fitness and leg strength prior to the Etape in July. I've been loooking forward to it since December of last year as those people I know who have ridden it in the past have only good things to say about it.

Sadly it's looking highly likely as I'll have to bail out of this event which of course is a great shame.

I'm not really injured although I'm not keen to push things too far and get myself into any more trouble. Sadly the saddle sore I mentioned last time hasn't really healed. Things are "looking better" so to speak although saddle time is still rather sore with me standing on the pedals far more than I like. Still. A little more time and lots of Savlon and things will sort themselves out.

In addition to the sore backside is a sore IT Band which is far more of a concern. I used to get this when I ran although I've not had any problems with it for a few years now. I notice I'm not alone with this issue as from from the blogs a few other people seem to be having similar trouble too (here for example).

This little niggle needs fixing before it becomes too problematic and going over 3000m+ of hills in less than a week isn't going to do me any good in the long term.

After all, the Etape is the Priority - lets keep that in perspective.....

I'm seing a physio tonight and I'll go for an easy spin on Wednesday and Thursday to see who things are.

Hopefully I'll be all ok and able to ride this weekend although in all honesty as I type I'd have give myself a 25% chance.

Friday Grease - Celebrations & Moans

2010-05-28T09:23:00.001+01:00

A cause for celebration 1)

Yesterday I hit a bathroom scales observing landmark in as much as I've lost 28lbs / 2 stone / 12.7kgs in weight since mid October of last year. I'm the lightest I've been for years and feel great.

The only downside of shifting much of the lard off my gut is that none of my clothes fit me any more. New shirts and suits... Check... Cost to bank balance... How Much!!!

Anyway, as you can see from the pic I decided to celebrate with a fatty sausage and hash brown roll - all the hallmarks of a delicious and nutritious breakfast I'm sure you will agree.

A cause for celebration 2)

My dragon ride numbers and info have arrived. Hooray!!!

A cause for consolation 1)

A few weeks ago I posted how I intended to spend the last few months of Etape training prior to the taper. A few people at the time remarked it seemed overly ambitious and perhaps I was somewhat flippant with my responses.

Truth time. The programme was too hard. I lasted 2 weeks before crumpling one 5am Tuesday morning. I had tried to train like my body and powers of recuperation were still in their early 20s and not in it's middling 30s.

I was stupid. You the good readers were quite correct....

A cause for consolation 2)

I have a saddle sore. It hurts and is quite annoying.

I'd noticed a slight "hot spot" on my perineum during yesterdays ride and after some careful bathroom mirror arranging antics noticed a small zit sized pimple somewhere I'd rather it wasn't.

With no Savlon to hand I've opted for a nice dosage of E45 cream.

I'm hoping not to have to resort to the old age trick of the peloton whereby you cut a hole in your saddle to ease the pressure.... :)

My R3 - I'm Hoping thats not a Crack

2010-05-23T17:23:00.005+01:00

Sun - and lots of it.

So then, how's everyone's bib shorts and cycling top tan going?

I'm well on the way to looking somewhat ridiculous with my legs going a rather nice bronze colour. But anyway. I digress...

A Crack in the R3?

It's quite fine and the image doesn't show it too well although sadly I'm thinking yep... My R3 has a crack on the down tube. It's done less than 1k kms so if so I'm rather disappointed.

I'm off to the LBS next weekend to have it looked over.

With only 2 weeks to go until the Dragon Ride I may need to start being extra nice to Florence.....

Fingers (and toes) crossed.

Food, food, food.

2010-05-13T16:47:00.001+01:00

I honestly cant stop eating at the moment. I don't think I've ever eaten this much in all my years of training.

I'm going through massive breakfasts, huge lunches and bowls and bowls full of pasta. I'm always in meetings with my water bottle and a bag of nuts or perhaps and energy bar too.

This isn't too much of a hardship as I'm a big fan of eating. Generally I'll eat anything. Anything that is apart from honey which rather amusingly causes me to gag and if actually swallowed results in my bringing up anything that went in earlier.

I have a few friends for example who have this type of response to a certain spirit such as Pernod or Tequila. For me its honey. Cant stand the stuff.

But anyway. I'm hungry. Is it tea time yet?

Hampshire Hilly Hundred - A Few Lessons

2010-05-11T09:41:00.004+01:00

Quick Note - Over the weekend just gone I rode the Hampshire Hilly Hundred. I posted a very brief account of the event upon returning home.

Since then I've had time to mull over the day and draw a few conclusions from it. Hopefully I'll be able to use these lessons learned on the Dragon and of course during the Etape later in the Year.

Hampshire Hilly Hundred - A quick recap:

Weather - Cold and wet with a bitter North Easterly which gave the impression of a 360 degree headwind
Course - Hilly....... funny that given the name of the event
Distance - 100 miles...... who would have thought it?
Ave HR - 152 BPM
Ave Speed - 28.0 km/h
Total time - 5hours 42 mins = Silver Standard (just missed the gold... booooo!)

Onward to the lessons:

1) Drink and eat more

I struggled in the last 20kms which I put down to having only consumed a little over 1.5 lts of fluid and 3 gels

I had no energy and what's worse I didn't have a clear enough head to realise I still had an unopened Clif Shot Blok which I didn't use. Even stranger is the fact that at some stage in the last half hour I must have taken it out of my back pocket but then failed to open it as upon finishing I found the opened packet tucked inside the upper right leg of my bib shorts.

I can only assume I was too knackered to open the packet and rather than litter the road or put it back in my pocket I'd stuff it up my shorts for safe keeping. Strange....

2) I can hold a wheel

I shouldn't admit this but I've only a handful of small group rides under my belt. Well actually having completed this sportive I can sadly announce a grand total of 6 such rides during my entire cycling career.

That said, I felt strangely at home in a group. At the front, in the middle and at the rear... everything seemed ok. Of course I sat at the back for at least an hour to watch and learn before pulling through and taking my turn. This perhaps wasn't to everyone's enjoyment although rather selfishly it suited my one of my aims of the day.

Of course, riding in a group of 10 isn't exactly the same as the Peloton on Etape day buy hey. Some practice is better than none and I've still got the Dragon Ride to get some more miles like this before the big day come July

3) It's better to check the bike at the start than half way up a hill

I must have knocked the front mech in the car or perhaps somewhere along the first few miles of the course as approaching the first hill of the day my beautiful machine wouldn't change out of the big ring.

A quick stop. A quick play with the mech with my multi tool (only packed at the last second) and I was off. Naturally I'd rather have avoided that in the first place. Stupid, stupid, stupid

4) Sign in nice and early

I arrived to collect my timing chip nice and early. I only queued for perhaps 10 mins. Those people arriving later were left outside in the wind and cold for... oh I don't know half an hour perhaps? Anyway. This cant have been ideal, can it?

5) For the most part, people are quite nice

Yes there are always a few a-holes in any sport / workplace / pub and this event was no exception. Of course thankfully this wasn't the norm

As a relative newbie into the cycling I've often held the belief that, unlike runners, cyclists are all hard work nor play and business business business. Sure. Some are. Same goes for anything although the more I ride the more I enjoy it and part of that is the people whom I find myself riding with.

Warm, friendly and helpful.

A rather pleasant day truth be told.....

Hampshire Hilly Hundred

2010-05-09T15:43:00.003+01:00

I've just got back home from riding the Hampshire Hilly Hundred. Wasn't the best weather although it became more passable by the hour.

Hilly? Yes in places. My Garmin showed a 27% gradient at one point which can't be right can it?

Anyway. I loved it. I missed the Gold Standard by a few mins although in truth I rather limped the last 20 kms home having failed to eat enough en route.

Stupid, stupid stupid.

That said, this ride today has given me lots of confidence for the Dragon Ride and for the Etape. 10th weeks and counting.

Many thanks to everyone I met. As ever I didn't get any names but I must say a very big hello to the chap in the Saxo Bank top with the Zipp 404 wheels. Top bloke.....

I'm off to eat everything in my fridge. I may even consider eating some of that cream cheese that been sitting in there for far too long.

100 Miles of Nowhere - Part 2

2010-05-06T08:20:00.005+01:00

The last part in the trilogy and perhaps one I should have tagged onto the end of the previous post to avoid any suggestions I'm that I'm lacking posting material.

Anyway. Here are the stats for my 100 miles on the Turbo:

Ave HR: 143
Max HR 173 (during the last min when I realised I was going to miss the 5 hour mark...)
Ave Speed: 33.5 km/h
Max Speed: 47.4 km/h (the sprint at the end)
Ave Cadence: 91 rpm
Max Cad: 107 (sprinty time)

Above - speed vs time

Above - HR

So thats it. Spot the loo stop in the middle of the ride :)

This coming Sunday - The Hampshire Hilly Hundred. And by the looks of it. Lots and lots of rain.

100 Miles of Nowhere - Race Report - Part 1

2010-05-04T09:43:00.006+01:00

Note - there is more than a tad of "jest" in this post. So please, dont think I'm being being an ass...... please

Preamble

In truth I wasn't too worried about doing a "ton" on a turbo. I'd set myself a target of completing the course in 5 hours which of course gave me a manageable ave speed of 20 mph. I've been close to a hundred before although I'd always held myself back and never gone all the way. This was different. This was for a very very good cause.

On the eve of the race I felt good and slipped into a sweet sleep knowing I'd be difficult to beat. After all, these 100 miles were to be raced over my (literally) home turf. No one could possibly beat me. Could they?

I'd given myself every change of winning my category (the dodgy knees holding a Guernsey Passport division) and came into the race reasonably rested, carbo loaded and ready to go. I'd also trained quite hard and whats more, I had a special bike too.

A Cervelo S1 areo frame (borrowed for a week from my LBS) with deep section Mavic wheels. An absolute must for any turbo based endurance event. Try it. You will never look back.

A Shaky Start

Amazingly, and rather embarrassingly due to late decision on behalf of my bowels who with only a few mins to go before the off decided to demand a movement, I missed my start time at the gate by 6 mins.

Above - pre race supplies

Mortified and with jeers and cat calls from the crowd (Mrs T) ringing in my ears I finally set off at 11.06 am. Given my lack of common time keeping I decided upon a simple strategy.

To keep pedalling for the next 5 hours.

Simple and yet immensely effective. Turn those circles so to speak & never, ever, turn in squares......

Above - A view from the saddle. Nice.

The Race Proper

So thats how it went. Minute by minute and hour by hour the drill remained simple.

Pedal. Drink every 10 mins and eat every half hour.

For 5 hours.

Simple.

Actually thats not quite the full extent of the truth. It wasn't that simple at all. These 5 hours were rather long. In fact, they were very, very long...... Ewan McGregor & Charley Boorman helped. But even thier cheeky banter and round the World antics can only brighten the spirt for so long......

The End

And so it came to pass. With 160kms on the clock and nearly "home" I noticed my pace was slightly off the target. It dawned on me I'd probably fail. That I wouldn't break the 5 hour mark.

As you can imagine with 160kms in the legs it took some effort to summon the strength needed for a sprint but sprint I did.

But to no avail. I finished in 5 hours and 5 secs.

I had failed. I had lost and in my mind I'd lost big.......

Next year.... I'll do it next year......

Above - the mess afterwards. Note the used sweat towels and the deep section areo wheels. Both very important for doing a ton on a turbo.

To follow - HR, speed, cadence stats and a few other things too......

100 miles of Nowhere.... Done

2010-05-02T18:15:00.002+01:00

So there we have it.

100miles on the turbo all finished. Legs and the mind are doing well.

Full race details to follow but in the meantime........ here's the proof:

Time to have a beer....

100 Miles of Nowhere - This Weekend

2010-04-30T09:52:00.002+01:00

A little while back I posted that I'd entered the 100 Miles of Nowhere, a race / challenge / self hurt session organised by the well known blogger, the Fat Cyclist.

The challenge: 100 miles or 168kms on a static trainer / turbo or by taking the smallest route possible, ie using the inner circle at Richmond and raise money for the Livestrong foundation. A worthy cause I'm sure you will all agree.

I've entered myself within the "dodgy knees holding a Guernsey Passport" category. Given I'm likely to be the only entrant, I expect to win.

And to win big.

I'm also doing the race a week early so it fits within my Etape training. The actual race is due the following week although I cant make it as I'll be riding the Hampshire Hilly Hundred.

Wish me luck!!??

Etape Training Plan - Phase 3

2010-04-25T16:55:00.003+01:00

With 12 weeks to go I'm now moving into the penultimate phase of training for this years Etape.

With a good few months of base endurance in the legs I'm now planning on introducing a few threshold sessions which should help improve my ability to get over the hills come July 18.

So, from now until early July my training week looks something very much like this:

Monday
- Rest

Tuesday
- AM: 1hour easy spin
- PM: 1.5 / 2 hours Endurance - HR 155 - 160

Wednesday
- Threshold session: eg i) 10 or 25 mile TT, ii) between two and four efforts of 12 mins with 3 mins recovery etc - HR 175 - 180

Thursday
- As per Tuesday

Friday
- 1 hour easy spin

Saturday
- AM: 2 hours Endurance - HR 155 - 160
- PM: Threshold session as per Wednesday

Sunday
- Long ride 6 hours plus

So thats it. Looks nice and simple on the page.......

The last of my common cold posts

2010-04-23T07:35:00.003+01:00

I promise. This is the last post on the subject. After this I'll be nice and quiet on the subject.

No really I will......

For much of the week I've been enjoying a healthy dose of the common cold.

Most people tend to get one or perhaps two colds a year although in my case I've had four of the damn things since October.

I've been asking a simple question over the past few days - should you continue to exercise if you have a common cold? The standard answer seems to be to continue with perhaps a lower intensity than normal just so long as the cold sits above the neck.

Sniffles and sneezing are fine. A hacking cough..... well it seems better to curl up on the sofa and watch bad daytime TV. So this old tale is fine as a rule of thumb. I'll accept it for what it is by way of general advise.

But what does the science say about the subject?

I've found reference to quite a few studies although these two here and here, where a sample of lucky people were deliberately infected with the cold virus and then frog marched onto a treadmill. Ok, so the links above are only the abstracts of the work undertaken although the full study info can be found with a more detailed Google search should you so wish....

On other thing. I hope these people were paid and not just given extra course credit? Imagine actually wanting to be given a cold..... No thank you....

Anyway. These studies suggest the old wive's tale to be true with the subjects having no signs of a diminished aerobic capacity.

Further more, the second study seems to suggest exercising will not lengthen the time taken to recover once a cold has taken control of your upper respiratory system.

All interesting stuff...... And the last time I'll post anything on the subject.

The man flu experiment

2010-04-22T08:48:00.001+01:00

Man flu...... the saga continues

Earlier this week I posted a simple question on training with a cold or to be more specific, physical activity with the ever more serious, man flu.

Most people I've spoken to on the matter and a few people who were more than gracious to comment on my original post have suggested its fine to exercise just so long as the man flu is sitting above the neck. Anything lower, to which I presume this means a nice raspy cough, and its best to settle on the sofa and watch old TDF reruns from Euro Sport.

As this little cold of mine seems to be well above the neck I've trained as normal but at a slightly lower intensity than I'd originally planned.

And you know what?

As I've hinted at above, on Tuesday and Wednesday of this week I felt fairly miserable all day. Sniffly, slightly achy and with a manner / body language around my person firmly telling anyone close enough to see me that it would be best to leave me well alone.

This all changed after 20 mins on the bike. True, snot was certainly flying which isn't the nicest thing to have happen to you or for you, the reader, to think about. But still. The old tales seem to be true.

Have a cold above the neck?

Get out on the bike.....!

Exercise and the common cold - should I choose the bike or the duvet?

2010-04-20T14:28:00.002+01:00

Sneezing and spluttering

I'm rather cold and have a mountain tissues next to me on the desk. As I said yesterday I'm ill once again. I'm unhappy.

My colleagues are also unhappy although for different reasons and are looking at me with a mixture of disgust, distaste and very little sympathy. I wonder why?

Thankfully for myself and others, because of the joy of hot desking I've managed to find a nice desk in a far flung corner of our office where I no doubt I'm secreting my cold virus to anyone who dares come within a fee meters. Sure, I feel lousy although it could be worse.

On a different note having cold means fewer people than normal seem keen to want to disturb me which on one level makes my sore and runny nose slightly easier to bear.

Have tissue, will exercise?

Now I've always wondered. What's the story on continuing to exercise with a cold. Is it safe? Should I rest up and by getting on the bike or going for a run would I be more likely to prolong the illness further? Or should I, as the old wives tales suggests, get out and exercise albeit at a lower intensity than normal?

From a personal perspective I've always thought there's some truth in the wives tale - that a little exercise makes me feel better and breaks up the grump of a full on snot fest.

So tonight I'll do a little experiment.

I'll get on the bike (well the turbo most likely just in case I collapse from the exertion - going that 20kms from home would be somewhat problematic) and cycle for a hour and a half.

I'll take things nice and easy and drape a few towels over the bike and the surrounding walls and floors to prevent the flowing mucus from my nasal passages casing too many stains.

I'll let you know how it goes.

The R3

2010-04-19T17:09:00.002+01:00

Every cloud....

After a certain amount of moaning in my previous post about having to cancel my weekend away in Malaga, given the sun, the heat and the lack of wind over the weekend I'm far less annoyed then perhaps I should be.

Wall to wall sun right though and with a good 8 hours or so in the legs from Friday I'm feeling quite tired but very pleased.

On a slightly annoying note I seem to once again be coming down with a dose of Man Flu......

The R3

Months ago I bought myself a little gift. It's only just occurred to me that I've yet to post anything more about it.....

More to come.

PS - that grass needs some work. As does that fence panelling. Oh well.

A weekend away scuppered by ash...

2010-04-15T17:19:00.004+01:00

I had hoped to write a nice piece come Monday about a long weekend I've had planned in and around Malaga.

Me, Mrs T and a few others. Me and my pals out on the bikes with the significant others doing, well. Shopping??? In truth I dont honestly know.....

As you can see below I'd packed up the bike and was ready to roll out to Gatwick for an early evening flight. (Yes, I know the helmet and bike combo makes me look a true and total Cervelo fan boy but hell..... I'm big enough to take that on the chin with only a stiff glare....)

Sadly I hadn't expected my flight to be grounded due to volcanic ash!

Looks like I'll stay at home. Perhaps I'll simulate the warmth of sunny Spain by staying on the turbo and turning the central heating up to max....

Have a great weekend everyone!!!

A quick tale of two knees

2010-04-14T09:52:00.002+01:00

A quick note - by no way chance or idea is this post a jab a fate. I'm simply making a few observations. This isn't a challenge - just a few statements of how things are with my legs, knees and body in general.

I'm quite happy for the status to remain very much unchanged thank you very much..... So once again. Fate. I'm as far from tempting you as I possibly can.

Bad bad knees

Since beginning this blog towards the tale end of last year I've mentioned on a few occasions that I used to run. In all truthfullness I used to run quite a bit.

I'd run most things be they track 1500 meters, 10k races, cross countrys, half and full marathons and even a few 40 milers from time to time. I wasn't too bad either. I've run some good times and qualifed for Boston (but never haven't run it due to...... oh yes... injury.

But thats all in the past. Sadly all this (quite frankly super human effort if I do say so ;) ) in the long run didn't go down too well with my knees.

My left knee has literally been a pain since my early 20s when an encounter with a Ford Fiesta, naturally while out running, caused a nice little tear in it's ACL. While this healed up all OK the cartilidge didn't do so well.

Over the years this has gotton worse and naturally my other knee, feeling left out perhaps, decided to do something similar a few years later.

End result. Knackered knees. No more running. An expanding belly.

Why not Cycle/

I started cycling a few years ago after a physio suggested the lack of load bearing impacts made it a comprosime for people who like endurance sports but aren't really suited for running.

He was quite right. As I hope is aparant in this blog - I really really like getting out on my bike. And you know what. Other than the pain of fatiging muscle, it doesn't hurt. Not one bit.

Additionally (and here's where I'm tempting fate). I've been injury free for the past two years. Not so much as a leg twinge or an injured thumb.

If only I'd started this years ago........

Long rides and sunny days

2010-04-12T15:38:00.000+01:00

What a glorious weekend. Wall to wall Sun and for me, the first and somewhat chilly, BBQ of the year! Whoop Whoop!!

On a not altogether unrelated note considering the topic of this blog I was able to get in some solid rides under the belt too:

Friday - 2 hours flatish but hard around the outskirts of Newbury

Saturday - 1 1/2 hours of hill repeats in the Watership Down area (no rabbits to be seen..... strange)

Sunday - 5 hours rolling nice and steady (approx 159kms covered with ave HR of 142)

A good weekend - am feeling strong if a little tired in the legs!

Sun, sun at last!!!

2010-04-09T09:00:00.001+01:00

If you’re anything like me then you’ll have a nice big smile on your face due for the most part to the change in the weather. That’s right. It’s actually quite warm and as I type, I can feel there’s a certain smell of spring in the air. Of course that might just be one of the local farms laying down some silage…….

Yesterday was gorgeous. I spent a wonderful hour and a half after work out and about on the bike with bare legs and short sleeve top. My cycle computer later told me the temperature peaked at a balmy 16 degrees – it’s no wonder I had to roll my arm warmers down to my wrists mid ride!!

I’d forgotten how good it is to feel the wind on the legs and arms as I cycle / potter / hammer ~(depending on how my ego is feeling) down the hedgerow covered lanes close to where I live.

Other’s too had the same idea. I passed six or seven other cyclists who for all cases but one bode me a fond hello which I was more than happy to return. Perhaps there is camaraderie to be found in lycra after all?

What’s truly great is that if the nice people at the Met office are to be believed then this warm(ish) snap is set to continue into the weekend.

Lets face it, after the winter we have had we deserve a little break in the weather.

Here’s hoping everything goes to the weather man’s plan…..

15 weeks and counting

2010-04-05T13:04:00.003+01:00

First off, a happy Easter or what ever holiday you wish to celebrate. Hope you had a great one.

I've spent the past few days visiting my twin sister who sadly I see perhaps twice a year even though she's only an hour and a half down the road. I cant quite figure that one out either....? I then spent Saturday in London on a Stag do before spending the rest of the time at Mrs T's parents.

As perhaps you can imagine. This Easter hasn't been too great for training and I've consumed as much booze over the past four days as I've swallowed over the past four months. I should feel quite guilty although with only 15 weeks to go I see this lazy weekend as being earned and my last "moment of weakness" before I ramp things up again.

So again, I raise a glass to everyone who looks at this little blog of mine and then again to my fellow riders come the 18th July.

After all, it's only 15 week away!!!

Pass the cream please...

2010-03-31T19:09:00.000+01:00

I'm back from holiday and while it's quite nice to be in the UK once more I do miss those Guernsey velvet roads. No pot holes. No bumps and seemingly courteous car drivers. Perhaps I was just lucky?

Never mind. I'm sure to head back there soon enough. It's only a 20 minute flight out of Southampton Airport which isn't really enough time for the harassed cabin crew to serve you a drink or get the Duty Free trolley up and down the aisle. Its quite a feat to watch. Trust me on that.

I've been a little quiet on the blog front over the past few weeks. As I've mentioned before I've decided to cut back on the volume of training having gone and got all together a little too serious and forgetting everything else. Family, friends, Mrs T..... you name it.

But anyway, as ever I digress. I have another problem which my work colleagues seem to find highly amusing.

I have my first saddle sore. Do I get a badge?

I ran out of chamois cream over the weekend and decided to go out for my long Sunday ride as normal. Schoolboy error and one I'll not make again. The chemist thought is was quite possibly the funniest thing she had heard that morning too.

I wish I wasn't so easily embraced..... Or worried that the cream I've been given actually contains some type of steroid!!??

Surely not. That just wont do........

Fatty's 3rd Annual 100 Miles of Nowhere

2010-03-22T16:55:00.004Z

As you may or may not know, a few years ago The Fat Cyclist created an event / challenge which he called The 100 Miles of Nowhere.

The essential idea is to ride 100 miles over a really short course or perhaps on a set of rollers and to raise money for Team Fatty's LiveStrong Challenge

Quite a few people joined in for last years events, had lots of fun doing it and sent in a few race reports.... and videos

I'm in for this. Sure, it sounds tough as hell but it's certainly all for a very worthy cause. More details will be on Fatty's Blog over the next day or so although the "race" is set for the weekend of May the 8th / 9th? Entry is capped at 500 people so i suppose it's going to be better to sign up sooner rather than later.....

Of course, you could always donate the entry fee (and more besides) once the 500 places are sold through. Go on. Every penny adds up.....

A week off, a trip to Guernsey and flying with a bike...

2010-03-21T18:33:00.005Z

I find myself back in Guernsey for a week long break. So far the weather has been a mixed bag with sun, rain and plent of wind.

I've brought my bike too and have been out for some nice and easy rides along the coast roads - fantastic views out to sea and what surprised me most, really really nice roads.

Guernsey doesn't get the hard frosts or much snow so the tarmac doesn't tend to get chewed up to badly and I don't think I've seen a pot hole to speak of

I've taken the bike away a few times although this was only the second trip where I've given it over to the nice people of the baggage handling trade. I've invested in a box from Bike Box Alan and while the price is on the high side I've nothing but praise for this giant suitcase.

The afore mentioned box

And here's a shot of the box in the car - a good fit I think you will agree....

Even the people at customs (who had me unpack and repack the thing) seemed impressed which of course is nice...... Thankfully it arrived in one piece with the box holding up nicely. No bruises to the bike and within 5 mins it was all set up and ready to go.

But anyway.... After my last post which was written in a slight moment and mood of what I can only describe as "melancholy", I'm feeling positive again. True to my word I will be pulling back on the training to some extent although I'm still looking forward to the day.

I think it's about 16 weeks????

So that's why we don't use a CamelBak

2010-03-12T08:39:00.002Z

Ok so I found the answer to my earlier question rather quickly.

There are heavy, bulky and after an hour or so become rather uncomfortable. Then there is the sweaty back to contain with which of course brings on a nice dose of Jersey / Lycra / Gillet etc friction.

Not pleasant.

I'll go back to using the bottles. With more practice and perhaps a little bit more attention I shouldn't have a problem in dropping them.

Why don't we use CamelBaks?

2010-03-07T13:42:00.003Z

It's just a thought and one that occurred to me earlier today soon after I fumbled a bottle onto the road. I'm still not particularly good at taking in food and fluid while in the saddle. For some reason I get jittery, my steering goes all to hell and things like this tend to happen.

This of course is annoying.

Of course there was no real harm done other than causing slight annoyance to myself and my buddy who kindly waited for me to collect said bottle which thankfully hand't split any of its content.

Now really, why do road bikers only seem to use bottle? I cant recall ever seeing anyone on what I'd call a bespoke road bike with a CamelBak.

I asked my buddy the same question and his response was the same as mine. He suggests its something to do with being a Mountain Bike thing or that using them gives the rider a sweaty back or perhaps due to a loss in aerodynamics. Either way these suggestions aren't entirely satisfactory.

i) Sweaty back? Well I think I could live with that.
ii) A reduction in Aerodynamics? And strapping two bottles to your frame is better how exactly?
iii) It's a MTB thing? Eh? This sounds a tad odd and perhaps lies more akin to the seemingly mutual distrust between the two schisms of our sport.

For the next week or so I'm planning to dump the bottles and road cycle MTB style. I'll let you know how it goes. Perhaps I'm about to stumble upon fluid intake Nirvana....

Feb stats, or the lack thereof....

2010-03-04T15:46:00.000Z

I'd quite like to be able to post a quick review of my training and such progress during February. Sadly this has proved impossible as I for some silly reason decided to delete February's data from my PC.

No matter. What's gone is gone and gone for ever although I'll certainly be taking back ups on a regular basis from now on.

Anyways, from memory February was a strong month. For the most part the weather improved enough to get out on the roads on all but one of the weekends and even then I was able to do a session on the turbo.

I'm happy with my progress although I'm quite surprised my weight seems to have reached a plateau. I suppose I shouldn't complain as I'm happy enough to have already lost a stone and a bit since coming back from Australia in mid October. I suppose the rest will come off over the next few weeks and months.

Of course, I mustn't become obsessed and need to stay fit healthy and strong. Clearly that's key and a given if I'm to stay upright come July.

July 18th Worries.....

2010-02-23T09:51:00.002Z

So the weather wasn't as great over the weekend as I'd hoped. My ride out on Sunday was rather cold and in places quite damp. I also rather foolishly decided to forego a set of overshoes and spent the last hour of the ride unable to feel my feet.

This got me thinking which in turn got me to worrying - something I'm unfortunately rather good at.

It's suddenly and very clearly apparent there are so many things that could go wrong come July 18th. Perhaps noting them down here will help alleviate such fears?

1) Race day fluid intake

This is by far and away my number one major worry of all worries.

In all likelihood, July 18th is liable to be baking hot which means of course we are all set to sweat out most if not all of our body fluids. How on Earth are we going to be able to replace these said fluids?

I'm not willing to lug a CamelBak over 3 cols which from the starts means realistically limited to two 750mls bottles with perhaps an additional 500ml bottle in my jersey back pocket.

Is this enough to get me to the first aid station and when I get there will I have any energy left to join the bun fight to get more?

Am seriously concerned.....

2) Punctures and other mechanicals

Most guides I've seen on the Etape suggest a rider take as many tubes as they can. I'm told you can never have enough tubes?

Of course I assume, perhaps wrongly, the majority of riders will be on clinchers rather than the Tubs favoured by the actual TDF riders who of course have 15 wheels all ready and waiting in the back of the team car.....

So how many is enough? I'm thinking 3 or perhaps 4. Is 2 too little and will I have enough room with all the water, tyre irons and the chain tool I'm also supposed to carry.

At this rate I'll need a trailer rather than a saddle bag....

Am seriously concerned.....

3) Accidents, hold ups and delays

Lets face it. With 9k plus riders pretty much huddled together in a mass peloton until the top of the first Col there are bound to be hold ups and delays. Hopefully I'll get ahead of the bunch with a high start number although In reality I fully expect a start within the 7k plus pen

Sadly the other worry here is coming off the bike.

People are sure to clip wheels, cut other people up etc and the thought of that happening at 80kms plus is rather nauseating. Accidents of course can and do happen. I'm just hoping it doesn't happen to me.

Am seriously concerned.....

Of course, there's plenty more to worry about. Race day logistics, my bike being damaged in transit. Hell if I have to do any driving I'm sure to get lost and as I don't ask for directions in the UK I'm quite certain I'll fail with my GCSE French to make any headway with the locals.

As I keep saying, I'm very much concerned...........

A change in the Weather?

2010-02-19T10:15:00.000Z

I'm in quite a positive mood. Life continues to treat me kindly. I'm in good health with none of the aches and pains I've come to associate with pounding out the marathon miles. What's more the sun's shining and there's not a single cloud in the sky. I'm close to calling this a perfect winters day.

On a similar note of happiness, I've pretty much broken the back of my recent mountainous workload. I've a few more day trips into Europe over the next month or so but other than that I'm confident I'll be able to get the necessary miles well and truly done.

Anyway, my weekend looks like this:

Friday - 2 hours (endurance - HR 155 - 160)
Saturday - 1 hour (rest and recovery - HR below 150)
Sunday - 4 hours (long ride over the hills - HR around 150 - 155)

Am looking forward to it. Hope the weather holds.

A few things I've learned from having a bike LBS fitting session.....

2010-02-14T16:57:00.003Z

Firstly, what a great day to be out. Nice and sunny and another 100km ride in the legs. 2 punctures though which is a little annoying.....

Here's a few snaps of my ride taken just outside Uffington, home of the Uffington Horse. Glorious.

Anyway, back to the topic in hand

What I learned from my recent trip to Primera to have a decent bike fit:

1) I am a freak

In body geometrical terms, I'm not particularly normal. You see it turns out I have really long legs and a short little stumpy upper body. Now I'm not the tallest of people (5' 8" in shoes) so this was and still is interesting news. I've also managed to grow a shoulders of a 6' footer.

It also makes getting a bike to fit quite interesting. I need something with quite a short top tube but quite a long seat tube. Ideally I need a customer fit although the nice men of my not so LBS managed to get my R3 set up perfectly with lots of tweaking of stem length, seat post height and saddle positioning.

2) Florence may need to go

Sadly Florence although quite new isn't really fit for purpose. She's simply too big and the difference between riding her and the R3 is a country mile apart.

The R3, well it just feels right whereas on Florence I feel over stretched and that I'm constantly over reaching to the bars and to the pedals.

She just doesn't feel right to ride anymore which is a shame and dearly wish I hadn't just gone and bought her without having a decent bike fit first. I'll wait a few weeks before taking a decision. She's well specced so I could get another frame and transfer the parts rather than splashing out on another bike.

There's a lesson here - and I'm sure I'll have a lecture from Mrs T about false economies and such......

A few (work enforced) days off

2010-02-09T20:33:00.003Z

I've been neglecting this little blog of mine over the past few weeks and have STILL yet to post any pics of my new bike (scroll to the bottom of the post if interested.

Truth is I've been away to Germany for work over the past week or so and have had very little free time to train let alone post anything here.

Germany I quite like. Dusseldorf, where I've spent the last few days on the other hand, I enjoy very little. It's far to "industrial" for me. I like my greenery, my fields and my wide open spaces hence why I live in the Countryside. Big towns and Cities just dont do it for me. Perhaps it's the smog? Perhaps it's the people or perhaps I'm just not cut out for life where you must live very much in the pocket of others.

As for training, well as you can imagine you cant really take a bike away with you on a business trip. Of course I'd love to take the my ride with me although I very much doubt my company would foot the bill for it's transportation.

Running trainers, well that's easy enough. Shove them in your carry on bag and away you go.

So that's it really. Man I'm looking forward to getting on the bike tomorrow!

January update

2010-02-04T21:38:00.003Z

For the most part I'm quite pleased with the progress I've made throughout January. Given the weather, many of the sessions were done on the turbo which isn't too much of a chore although naturally I prefer to get out of doors so to speak.

Hopefully this month will prove better with less ice and rain. I am for ever hopeful......

January Stats:

- 828.76 kms covered
- 23 hours 27 mins in total
- Ave speed = 34.4 km/h
- Ave cadence = 89 rpm
- Ave HR 152
- 15,472 cals burnt
- Weight loss = 1.8 kg

I'm not sure on the etiquette of self promotion but.....

2010-01-31T10:08:00.005Z

...... a massive thanks to the good people at cycle film for posting a link to my little blog on their Facebook and Twitter sites:

I'm truly honoured and it certainly did wonders for my sites traffic flow:

Perhaps I should set up some adds. This time next week I'll be a millionaire....

Cycle Film's 2010 Etape Recon

2010-01-29T17:11:00.010Z

Firstly, this isn't plagiarism

Honestly, I'm not copying Karen.

Really I'm not.

I've been promising a brief review of Cycle Film's 2010 Etape recon for quite a while. Naturally, what follows wouldn't pass muster for Film 2010 although it's as good as I'm able. So here goes.....

First and foremost, I'm very impressed.

This is the first such DVD I've purchased and no doubt wont be the last. As a whole it's well packaged, beautifully shot and superbly produced. I'm not too sure why although I had expected something altogether less professional. Fear not, this DVD doesn't disappoint and I'm certain to return to it time and time again over the forthcoming months.

This is perhaps where the real strength of the DVD lies. It can be watched numerous times - it's not something to just put on while on the turbo. Sure, it's highly motivational but also very watchable. It not only captures the beauty of the area it also manages to convey to the viewer a real sense that the Etape is more than a ride and that its very much an occasion.

Superman

Mike Cotty is perfect in his role as the stage guide and mentor and plays a large part in the success of this recon. If anything he makes it look so very very easy.

How many people do you know who could breathlessly perform a piece to camera while dancing up 9% of incline? And all this with 100kms and more already in the legs. Even thinking about it brings on major fitness and general all round rider envy.

Seriously. If you haven't yet done so and are doing the Etape in July go and buy this DVD. It's worth every penny. You really do want and need to know where that viscous right hander / round-about complex comes into play.....

Oh one other thing before I forget. It's built and here next to me as I type. A sneak preview. More to follow.

More soon.....

2010 event calendar

2010-01-23T17:33:00.005Z

I've mentioned a few times over the past weeks and months that I'd post a brief calendar view of the sportives and other events I hope to tackle this year.

I've promised a few other things that I've yet to get round to such as i) review the Cycle Film Tourmalet DVD (it's ace!!) and ii) post a few pics of my Cervelo (It's yet to be built). I'll get round to these. Promise.

Anyway. At the moment, as far as sporting events go, 2010 ends on the 18th of July at the top of the Tourmalet. I'm not looking at anything past the Etape. Nothing. Zip. Nada. I may choose to ride an early autumn sportive although I'll not look further into this until I've recovered from the post Etape hangover / come down.

So then, here we go:

April 5th: Guernsey Easter Half Marathon - flat and fast with usually a tail wind for the 1st 10 miles.

May 9th: Hampshire Hilly Hundred - quite unsurprisingly a 100mile sportive in Hampshire. Relatively local to me and with just under 2400m of climbing a nice warm up for.....

June 6th: The Dragon Ride - now I'm really looking forward to this. 112 miles in the Welsh hills. A perfect warm up for the Etape the following month.

So that's it. Just the three events although I'm confident the two sportives are perfect preparation for the big one.

Anyone else taking on the Dragon?

Ps - am ill again.... Third time in as many months. I think my immune system needs an MOT.

Pot Holes & Delays

2010-01-21T12:32:00.003Z

Work. Too much work

Sadly I've been tied up with work over the past week and haven't been able to post due to the ever increasing workload and stress our modern office environment has bestowed upon me. Ok. I over egg the situation so to speak but in truth, I have been on the busy side.

So far so good with another strong week in the saddle with this one being a hard week before stepping off the gass for 7 days of recovery. Last week was good too. I even managed to get out and about for the weekly Sunday ride. 4 hours well spent in the relative warmth of +4 degrees with blue skies and not a bit of ice in sight.

Now is it just me or our local councils in a bit of trouble with the state of the roads? Pot holes. Pot holes everywhere. I'm quite most of the last Sunday's fatigue was due to almost constant course corrections to make sure I missed yet another hole in the road. I suspect most of them will lie as they are to get wider with each passing day. Alloy wheels and cycle rims be dammed!!

Bike build

Sadly the build on my Cervelo is delayed until Jan 29th. My fault entirely as I've been too busy to make the trip to the shop.

Naturally I'm rather excited - like a boy on Xmas morning I'm excited. Still. Unlike a boy on Xmas morning I have the patience to wait.

New bike build - a slight delay

2010-01-15T16:21:00.002Z

Well sadly the build of the bike I mentioned a few days ago has been postponed for a few days. I couldn't really justify taking the time off work and while I could have used the old "I'll be working from home" ruse, this is exactly the sort of occasion where my boss is likely to catch me. Unlikely, but given my luck, it could happen.

Naturally I'd hoped to be out on the new bike over the forthcoming weekend. By tomorrow the snow should have all but gone with only the grit and salt to get in the eyes and the way. Of course these aren't ideal conditions but really, a bit of grit shouldn't stop me getting out and about now should it?

That said, perhaps the little devil in me is ever so slightly happy not to have the new machine on the roads quite so soon. After all, at least by not going out this weekend it wont need a clean after ride number one....

Still. I have a good weekend of training to look forward to:

- Sat: 2 hour endruance ride (probably on the turbo)
- Sun: 4 hour easy(ish) spin (again, probably on the turbo)

These sessions are on the back of a good week where everything seems to have gone well. I'm feeling strong and have little or no tiredness in the legs which given I'm now hitting the 9 - 10 hour weekly mark is a tad surprising. I had expected some soreness in at least the quads but so far since coming back from illness in December, such feelings have been blissfully absent.

Whats more, I've added a new first into the training diary as I managed to maintain an average of over 40 kmph over a session lasting 1hr 30.

Again, this was on the turbo although hopefully come some good or even some middling weather I'll be able replicate such form out on the roads. Time and the sun shine will tell.

January sales continue... as does my spending

2010-01-13T08:23:00.005Z

It's about half 8 the morning of 13th January and as I look at of the window to my left I can see it's still snowing. A further look out of the window to my right shows my car to be an ice cube while the radio tells me to stay indoors unless I'm having a baby... or something similar. Who am I to argue?

Spend 1

I've been rather silly over the past week or so and have bought a few things that perhaps I shouldn't have.

First up I find myself buying the Cyclefilm Reconnaissance Etape DVD. I've not watched any of it yet as Mrs T has banned the playing of it while she's in the house.

For some reason she thinks I've become a little obsessive about this years Etape and cant quite understand why I'd pay good money to watch someone holiday video of them cycling up a hill. I'm told I know it's steep so why get worked up about it? Fair point to some degree....

Spend 2

Ah yes. This is why Mrs T and I wont eat for the rest of the month. I've decided to get myself something rather special - something people often call a Sunday Best machine. After testing a few high end bikes I've opted for a Cervelo R3 with full Dura Ace 7900.

Hmmmmmm

I bought the frame from the good people at Primera and the group set came via the just as nice people of Merlin Cycles. Snow permitting I'm having it built and a bike fit this Friday again, by the good people at Primera.

As you can imagine I'm rather excited. A few people have said I've opted for this years "Treck" although I'm unsure if this is supposed to be an insult. Anyway, I'm too excited to care.

I'll post a review of the DVD and some pics of the bike and perhaps my bike fit over the next few days.

Now would you excuse me? Mrs T and I have a snowman to build.

The UK is still closed for business

2010-01-09T17:15:00.004Z

Shovelling duties done

I'm rather tired at the moment. In someways I'm sad as this tiredness has nothing todo with cycling, running or a lack of sleep. I'll explain.

As everyone in the UK will know our country is pretty much closed at the moment due to the largest accumulation of snowfall in 20 or so years. We had a good 11 inches in the past few days. I'll not bore you with any snaps of my own but please see for yourself the extent of the big freeze - the picture below was taken over the past few days. Snow - everywhere.....

In truth I've never seen anything like it. I grew up in the Channel Island of Guernsey which as a small island closer to France than the UK never saw any snow. An by never I do mean never. As you can expect this type of snow and the inconvenience that it causes is also very new to me. For the first time in my life I spent 3 hours this morning digging the snow and ice off my driveway.

Every inch of my body above the waist aches. Goodness knows how I'll feel once the DOMS pain really kicks in. But anyway, as is often the case I digress....

"The Banned Issue - Pro Cycling Feb '10"

"It's human nature to want to be stronger, better, richer" Riccardo Ricco

An interesting sentiment although its hard not to read it with a wry smile and a shake of the head given from whose mouth it came.

I'll leave this point here.....

My thoughts should be transparent enough.

MertiGear's Vector Power Meter - Beta test unit on show

2010-01-06T09:18:00.006Z

I've previously mentioned a passing interest in a new type of power meter that's being developed by MetriGear. For more info on the design and other such technical specifications, please head over to the site I've linked to above - such things are way out of scope for this blog.

Anyway, I'm intrigued by the concept so it's great to see a beta, or test version of the power unit and how it fits into the pedal and crank.

So clearly, as I said above this is a test version and I'm quite sure the unit will loose some of its weight before it goes into production. That said, I am starting to wonder how vulnerable the unit is liable to be to road detritus. Given adequate protection and perhaps even making it IP54 (or greater) complaint would certainly out such fears to bed.

In any case, It's great to see this product within the build stage as up until now I'd only seen it via a Photoshop image. All the best and good luck to MetriGear and of course. If they need any Beata testers my hand is firmly in the air.

So its all go for Team Sky

2010-01-04T18:46:00.005Z

Clearly, todays roll out of the Team Sky pro cycling team has very little to do with my attempt at the Etape.

That said, I could resist a comment and this, a little dig at one of the promo shots of Mr Kennaugh:

Take a closer look.

Is that an Xmas beer gut I see before me? Sure, I'm packing a few extra pounds 'round the tummy but really, I expect a little more from my Pros..... :)

Joking aside, all the best for Team Sky for 2010. Of course, I do hope chaps have an "away kit" for the the summer. As I've already said, with that black top you're liable to fry come the sun......

Etape training plan - Phase 2 - Jan to April

2010-01-02T16:08:00.004Z

Progress so far

As I've said a few times over the past 3 or so months, so far so good.

Training through October & November were solid, productive and certainly helped form an endurance base with which to build on.

December wasn't as I'd hoped.

The snow and two bouts of illness kept me from training as planned with time on the bike being far less than the previous two months. Thankfully I'm feeling much better although I still have a persistent and nagging cough which seems slightly reticent to leave my system. Give it another week or so and I'm quite sure I'll be back to full health.

Etape training - Phase 2 - Jan to April

So anyway - the new year brings in a new phase into my training. The aim of this phase remains the same as for phase 1 - it's still all about building up the endurance base and spending time on the bike.

In essence, it's the increased time in the saddle, up to 12 hours per week, that differentiates this training block from that of the sessions of the past few months. I'll not go into too much detail although a basic weekly training plan from now until April is as follows:

- Monday: Rest
- Tuesday: 1.5 - 2 hours endurance session which for me means maintaining a heart rate of between 165 - 170 bpm)
- Wednesday: 45 min recovery ride (150 - 155 bpm)
- Thursday: as per Tuesday
- Friday: as per Wednesday
- Saturday: as per Tuesday
- Sunday: long steady ride up to 6 hours within 150 - 155 bpm

For more info on this type of training I'd suggest getting hold of the book Elite Performance: Cycling: Successful Sportives by Garry Palmer & Richard Allen. All of my sessions in the run up to the Etape are based on those from within this book - well worth a read.

Future fears

So on a very basic level I'm all set from a training front for the next 3 months. Clearly my list above is rather simple. I'll certainly need to work on other aspects other than simply spending time on the bike. I'm still a relatively poor climber and not at all confident riding in big groups.

Clearly these areas need addressing and addressing fast. The climbing aspect doesn't worry me. There are plenty hills around me to play and train on. My greatest fear and one I've so far yet to tackle is riding within a peleton. The Sunday club run is one thing but a 200 - 400 people chain gang it isn't.

If anyone has any suggestions on this then really, I'm all ears.

A gift from me to me & me on Twitter

2009-12-31T14:15:00.006Z

Ok, so I suggested I wouldn't post again until the new year. That said I hadn't expected the nice Mr Postman to come knocking this side of '09. Anyway, as some people will know I bought Florence in October - a grand bike she is and perfect for upgrading.

So far I've only changed the saddle and in truth, this hasn't gone too well. Thankfully this situation, and my backside soreness, improves by the day. The more I ride, the less it hurts which of course must be a good thing. The next change / upgrade was always to be the wheels. The stock issue Mavics, fine as they are, are a little heavy and give an ever so slight leaden feeling to the ride which simply wont do.

While tempted by the Zipp 404 or perhaps its shallower 303 cousin, common sense and a lack of the necessary cash funds prevailed meaning I've opted for a wheel set from Easton . Many thanks once again go to the good people at Wiggle for the speedy service and low low prices.

While not perhaps a hosehold name the Easton EA90 SLX seem a perfect choice for for me and for the Etape. Firstly the build quality is impeccable. The hubs are velvety smooth and the spokes... well they seem fine to me. Can you tell I'm no mechanic or real expert of such things? Anyway....

The real winner is the weight. They come in at 1400 grams. For a clincher that seems quite incredible and comes close in weight terms to many top end tubs. Ok, the SLX 90's are perhaps not the stiffest thing out on the road. I've only been on one ride with them and I noticed a subtle flex to them when really honking on the bars. Still, this wont bother me too much and I'm certain I made the right choice.

Naturally just by putting these wheels onto Florence wont make me dance up the hills. It's quite clear I'm no Contador, Schleck or even a Mr Cavendish who perhaps it's fair to say isn't the best climber in the peleton but hey..... it all helps.

Oh yes, I almost forgot - I'm now on Twitter with the id NoMoreShadows. Its a long long story....... I have no idea how I intend to use this type of media but feel free to "add" me.

As ever, all the best

Post Xmas round up & 2010 Goal setting

2009-12-30T11:41:00.002Z

With 2009 almost done I thought I'd spend a few minutes looking over the past year and setting a few goals for 2010. I've always liked goal setting as it gives a purpose to what ever your doing. Labelling them here should also help. There's nothing like a public proclamation of intent to spark motivation..... or thats the idea anyway.

2009 - A quick sporting review

Best described as a mixed bag. 2009 was the year where I finally realised my best running days are 10 years in the past. Time, mileage and injury finally caught up with me. It was time to stop.

Before anyone says anything, it's not like I didn't give it a go. I ran the Paris Marathon in April and made it round the Guernsey 26.2 miles in August but looking back, I wasn't happy in doing so. My times were slow, I didn't enjoy the training, and felt very much as if the whole experience was a chore - they joy had gone.

So i stopped running. Simple as that. In truth I've run less than 5 times since August. Apart from a few hours in the last month or so I've not missed it. I honestly haven't. Will I run again? Possibly. Just now I'm not too sure. Time perhaps will tell....

2010 Goals

1) Finish the Etape

- Clearly
- This is the main sporting goal for 2010
- I had perhaps thought I'd look at getting a silver or gold standard but one step at a time. Come July, I'll be more than happy to finish

2) Loose the spare tyre

- I'd like to get down to nearer the 10 and a half stone mark (67 ish kilos)
- This is doable. So long as I cut the booze and the cheese (I looove cheese) I should be fine

3) Quit the booze & cheese until July 18th

- As per goal 2 above

4) Manage my time to make room for training and family

- Something I've not been good at in the past
- There is more to life than the Etape
- No really, there is more to life than the Etape

5) After July 18th:

- Eat my body weight in cheese
- Drink my body weight in Champagne

So really thats it. 2010 from a sporting front is simple enough and I'm positive I'll manage to do them. I'm quite ruthless in such things.

See you in 2010.

Pressies....

2009-12-28T11:05:00.005Z

Firstly, seasons greetings and happy what ever you celebrate to you all. Like most I've over eaten and generally stuffed my face stoopid over the past few days so i'll be off out on the bike in a few mins. Before I do, I thought I post a quick pic of by far the best gifts I've been lucky to receive this festive period.

Word had clearly got out amongst my family, friends and work colleagues regarding my saddle induced sore backside. I doubt the non cycling folk amongst us would have any understanding why the picture below brings me sooooo much joy....

Count them. 4 tubs of Assos Chamois Cream. Oh what joy and rapture. Of course I don't count the really small tub found at the front of the pic as its clearly a sample size that I suspect came free with a set of bid shorts. Still, I mustn't complain - they are all rather welcome.

Anyway, I'm off out on the bike. It's gloriously sunny here although it's -2 degrees which kind of takes the edge of things a bit.

Satan's saddle / why has my backside's been sore for weeks?

2009-12-23T16:26:00.008Z

An interesting title I'm sure you will all agree and one I thought long and hard about writing. So yes, it's a little smutty and since Google will no doubt index this post I may receive a few click through visitors whose reason for dropping by are not entirely cycling motivated but hey, I'll take the risk.

But yes, my backside has been sore ever since Mrs T bought me a new saddle as a gift. I'm surprised I've not mentioned it sooner.... For a while I've been moaning the standard issue one that came with dear Florence is somewhat uncomfortable due mostly to it being as wide as an aircraft carriers flight deck.

"Just spend more time on the bike", pals told me. "You'll get used to it, it just needs breaking in..." said others.

Thankfully Mrs T got bored of my moaning and decided to get me a new saddle. Off she popped onto the internet and discovered the Fizik website having found mention of this brand of saddle in an advert in one of my Pro Cycling mags. Well thats what she says.... I suspect she saw the name across the "ever so cute" backsides of pro tour riders..... But anyway....

Should you click on the Fizik site you will find they are selling / suggesting people buy their wares in accordance to how flexible the end users spine is.

Great, thinks Mrs T. "My hubby's super flexible, he can put his hands flat on the floor with straight legs don't you know. That makes him a Snake which means I'll get him an Arione. Perfect..... its nice and narrow, should fit like a velvet glove".

Now I don't want to sound ungrateful but man this saddle is worse than the one that came with the bike. Its hard, stiff as a board and just does't feel good to sit on which I suspect is perhaps a prerequisite of a good saddle?

Anyway, post gift offering I duly installed it and within a few mins of my first ride my backside went numb. I've tried everything to get to like it. I've adjusted the height of the nose. I've moved it backwards and forwards on the rails etc but nothing seems to have worked. Nothing. Even using half a tub of chamois cream did nothing.

My sit bones are more painful than ever and I seem to have developed a John Wayne walking style due to having a permanent sensation of pain and discomfort in my backside area.

Clearly this cannot continue and I doubt I'll ever get used to it. I think I'd better be honest and tell Mrs T things just aren't working out.

Anyone have any other suggestions?

Another reason why I like the Turbo...... Snow... loads of the stuff......

2009-12-22T11:38:00.004Z

I may be wrong although I imagine our European and Friends across the Atlantic would laugh themselves silly were they to listen to an average UK news and travel report come the arrival of more than 4 snow flakes across the UK.

Please, indulge yourself with a few examples:

- i) Snow delays the Xmas binge
- ii) Trapped overnight on the A34... or some other road somewhere.....

Whereas every other country on Earth seems able to predict and get on with business as usual activities such as oh I don't know...... keeping the roads and trains running, we in the UK do things differently. By doing things differently I of course mean we don't actually do anything.

3 inches of snow fell last night and I cant get my car out of the village as the roads are sheet ice with not a gritter to be seen for miles. Now I'm no expert and I'm certainly not a weatherman although I can read the weather forecast.

I knew this weather was coming and I'm quite sure the people being paid to send out the men and women in those massive gritting lorries have similar if not better meteorological info available to them.

Hen's teeth!!!!

Of course this really shouldn't be too much of a shock to anyone. We are British after all. and while we moan and whinge into our Bovril I suspect were all too lazy and apathetic do do anything other than...... oh I dont know...... other than to moan and whinge into our Bovril.

Anyway - enough ranting. I'm STILL ill with man flu although I'll get my every increasing lardy backside onto the Turbo. In the meantime please feel free to enjoy a few snaps of the snow. At least the views are nice and quite calming. On the other hand the chap taking the pictures was very much a model of anger, frustration and....... oh what the hell.

Mrs T - pass the Bovril please.........

Illness & weight gain

2009-12-21T12:20:00.002Z

This little "man flu / cold" episode I'm fighting my way through is dragging on. Not only is it stopping me ride it seems to be helping me to pile back on the lbs.

This always seems to happen when I'm ill as I tend too not just comfort eat, but to comfort graze which becomes comfort face filling. The sad thing is that for the most part I'm eating whenever I go into the kitchen which, on the basis of a Mrs T's mental notes from yesterday is about twice an hour.

For the most part I'm not even hungry. I'm just fed up, bored & generally feeling a little bit crappy. My total lack of self control is summed up by the following notes on my diet as taken by Mrs T yesterday afternoon:

- 10.25: Ham and cheese sandwich
- 10.50: 1 finger of a Twix bar
- 11.05: The other finger of the Twix bar opened at 10.50
- 11.45: Cheese toasty with Worcester & Tabasco source
- 12.30: A packet of Hula Hoops
- 13.45: A handful of bite size shredded wheat, dry, with no milk........................ The list goes on.

This explains how I've managed to put on 4 lbs in as many days. Man I need shot of this cold asap......

Team Sky go back to black

2009-12-19T12:31:00.005Z

So Team Sky are set to showcase their kit for next season on January 4th. I'm not usually known for being able to pass any sort of judgement on the fashion of others although given the sneak peak of a certain Bradley Wiggins on the Team Sky Facebook site, in this case, I feel I must.

It's all black. That should be fun come the South of France in July of next year. Unless the riders have an away kit so to speak they're going to fry.....

Winter lurgy - take two

2009-12-18T17:22:00.004Z

My new bestest pal - the wonder that is Lemsip. Ok so its nothing more than caffeine, decongestant and paracetamol but right now I don't care. I'll take the £3.99 hit in the wallet and get annoyed with my self later......

Honestly, I cant remember when I last had two colds in a year let alone two so close together. I blame the coughing temp at work who probably need to have blood seeping from her eyes before thinking about calling in sick. It was either her or that chap on the tube the other day. Still, as she doesn't get any sick pay benefits I would more than likely do the same were in in her position.

I know understand why Roger Black used to avoid crowds as best he could. Of course that's not entirely practical and as much as sometimes I wish it were true I cant wrap myself up in a bubble before going outside.

Anyway....... it's time again to take it easy for a few days. I'll try and do a few hours on the turbo tomorrow and Sunday but no more. I always feel better after a bit of exercise when I'm full of cold.

Too much too soon perhaps?

The Fat Cyclist - well worth a read

2009-12-17T21:29:00.003Z

Riding With the Shack, Part III - Actually Riding With the Shack

Posted using ShareThis

Ok so clearly this has nothing to do with my journey to the Etape but hey, what the hell. I've taken this link from The Fat Cyclist - perhaps the best cycling blog (bar mine of course...) that's on the net.

Always a great read - go check it out.

High winds, a small plane and a nervous flyer - I'm off to barf....

2009-12-14T18:00:00.007Z

Well thats it - I've just about finished my long weekend here in Guernsey. Total riding time since Thursday of last week = exactly zero hours.

While I've been for a few runs on and around the Guernsey Cliff Paths I've more than likely put on a few pounds over the past few days as I've more than overeaten and drunk far too much booze.

There are a set of scales quite close to hand although I've too afraid to get on them. I blame last nights "fake" Xmas day.

Does anyone else do this i.e. have more than one Xmas dinner (with all the gut expanding trimmings) so no one side of the family feels left out for their siblings being absent on December 25th?

No? Oh well ok - it's just me then is it? Anyways..... I'm off to the airport. A 25 min flight into Southampton awaits.

I'm not a great fan of air travel at the best of times. As there's a force 8 gale going on outside and the planes (with propellers!!!!) going to and from the UK to Guernsey fly at about 5k meters I'm REALLY not looking forward to this.

Another run, great views & enjoyable trails

2009-12-12T17:41:00.010Z

Another good day. Happy and excited to be running again with no pain in the knees I decided to go out again this afternoon. This time I opted to run a section of the Guernsey cliff paths in the South of the island.

Yep - I ran up from that white building at the bottom of the picture - my things were on fire when taking this pic

A German pill box, left over from the occupation during WWII

Steps - hundreds of steps. All of which seem oddly spaced - damn hard work

As the images above suggest, best described as unstable and undulating, these tracks offer fantastic views of the sea and a first class cardio work out. Of course you need to be careful. Its easy to fall over a loose rock or stumble up one of the steps that line the way.

Ok, the weather could have been nicer but who cares, especially when you have this to look at on the way home:

MetriGear Power Meter - Launch slippage

2009-12-11T12:31:00.002Z

Like many others I've more than a passing interest in the potential of using power meters within my training schedule. The SRM & Cycleops products while seemly ubiquitous within the pro world are certainly priced rather too keenly for most.

Early this year when I heard that a start up company (MetriGear) were planning on rolling out a power meter system using Ant+ within Q1 of 2010 for a little over £600 I was more than a little excited. The excitement more than doubled when looking at the product. On paper its small, neat and tidy and works in conjunction with Speadplay Zeros. Excellent news!

above: the MetriGear Vector and how it links up with the Speedplay Zeros

Sadly I've received an email from the company detailing as much as their Vector system has slipped into late Q2 so while an exciting concept it's still little more than vapour ware.

Hopefully the news coming out of MetriGear over the next few months will indicate no further slippages although for some reason I suspect this shant be the case.

In the meantime I'll stick with the HR monitor and scour ebay for any bargains.....

Back running again

2009-12-11T11:51:00.003Z

You find me in Guernsey where I was born, grew up and where my parents still live. I like it here. It's peaceful, generally quiet with a pace of live slightly slower than of the main land UK.

I think most people would like it here. In truth it's only now do I realise how lucky I was as a child to live here with its beaches and spaces to generally run riot in. As an adult I still like it - the low tax rate, lack of VAT, Council or inheritance Tax certainly help although lack of job opportunities outside of the Sate or Finance sectors prevent me from returning with my family. Perhaps when I'm older.

Anyways, I didn't bring my bike over on the 20min flight from Southampton so instead I packed my running shoes. I've not run an inch since early June of this year when, following yet another knee injury, I vowed to never run again. So as you can imagine I set off this morning with quite the sense of trepidation.

above: part of the north coast of Guenrsey - gentle off road tracks make for fantastic running with superb sea views

I needn't have worried. I ran for a little over an hour at a steady HR of 160 ish and at a pace at match. Nice and easy. No pain, no discomfort just an enjoyable run around the northern coastline of the Island and across the odd sandy beach. A rather beautiful way to spend an hour in the crisp december sun shine. Glorius.

Etape inspired reading list

2009-12-09T09:09:00.010Z

I meant to post this a week or so ago while feeling on the wrong side of rough. In the spirit of getting further into the Etape I've spent some time looking for inspiration from the pages of Amazon.

As might be expected there's plenty books on cycling to choose from be they on coaching, biogs or even the ubiquitous "dummies guides". Here's a handful of titles I've read over the past month or so - all well worth a read and can be picked up for little more than a few pounds from Amazon's second hand store:

1) The Death of Marco Pantani - Matt Rendell

A riveting and ultimately a tragic tale, the book takes you through Marco's life, his almost compulsive need for the sport to sadly to his drug addled death. Beautifully written and an excellent insight into the man

2) The Rider - Tim Krabbe

Wonderful, a book that focusses on a single mythical race in the mountains. Written from the riders perspective you finish the last page feeling you were with the protagonist the whole way.

3) Bad Blood: The Secret Life of the Tour de France - Jeremy Whittle

An interesting read which follows the writers change of heart from a true fan into an out an out sceptic of the values associated with the Tour and the riders that tackle it.

4) French Revolutions: Cycling the Tour de France - Tim Moore

A reasonably fit chap decides to follow the 2000 Tour route on a GT. Brilliant and laugh out loud funny.

No doubt I'll pick a few more over the next few months. I've asked for the Bradley Wiggins Bio, and a few other things, for Xmas so hopefully Santa will be kind come the 25th.

Grey skies & rain

2009-12-08T12:22:00.001Z

Has anyone seen the sun in the past month? I'm told that round my way we had only two rain free days in the whole of November and if the ongoing grey skies and rain are anything to go by December will be much of the same.

I didn't go out on the road at all last week - all 9 hours were done on the turbo. I know I should have gone outside for my long ride but I'm as weak as the next man in the cold and the rain so I spent the 4 hours in the warmth of the front room with Sky Sports for company.

I'm thinking 4 hours is about my limit.

Any longer and perhaps my brain would melt and drip out of my head. In that case I'd need more than a bike thong.......

Above: Ok - so thats not me.....

November round up

2009-12-01T14:41:00.001Z

So thats November all finished with - another month completed in the run in to the Etape. After the last few days of sniffle induced sofa loafing I'm feeling fit and, more importantly, healthily. Hopefully I'll manage a light spin this evening although naturally I'm keen not to get ill again by coming back into training to hard too soon.

But anyways November totals:

- Hours in the saddle: 22 (had hoped for more but missed last weekends long rides)
- Weight: 11st 9lbs / 75.5 kg
- Distance: I'm not counting at the moment.......

So touch wood things are going ok. Time spent on the bike is where I'd hoped I'd be. The beer gut is slowly going too. Hopefully I can maintain this onwards through the December party season.

Fat chance.

Sofa (Man Flu) time

2009-11-27T09:32:00.001Z

It seems, like others, I've succumbed to the first dose of winter '09 illness. It's nothing too bad, no more than a numb head, a feeling of utter lethargy and a dripping nose.

I knew it was coming early in the week when my tell tale sign of impending Man Flu appeared at the corner of my mouth - a nice big Cold Sore..... I can almost see it without needing to look in the mirror. This Herpes of the face (as described by my local Swedish chemist - think the Chef from The Muppets and you have the correct image) is of course little more than annoyance. After liberal applications of a Boots own remedy I'll be fine. I'll also be able to go outside again.......

Of course things could be much worse. I'll take the next 5 days off the bike to get better. There's really no point driving myself to further illness with the Etape still quite some time away.

So there's not much to be done this weekend other than to plonk my backside on the sofa and consume my body weight in chicken soup. I may even go French and knock back a glass or two of a nice Red. I hear it's supposed to be good for you.....

Everything's sorted

2009-11-21T11:29:00.003Z

Well that’s it. All the arrangements are finalised. There really isn’t any way back – my entry is confirmed and paid for. I’ve also just sorted the last of the travel arrangements. Bar the passing days and the training I’m already on the start line.

I’ve previously mentioned I’d be letting the people at French Cycling Holidays take care of the majority of the logistical side of the Etape. Hats off to anyone doing this via an entry only place. I’m quite sure I’d never make it to the start line without someone holding my hand along the way. Perhaps I’ll think about doing something similar in the future although one step at a time……

I’ve decided to fly into Toulouse care of Easy Jet and then drive down to the Etape base camp that’s situated in Lourdes. While not that close to the start line in Pau I’m given confidence it’s location is a happy compromise between the start and finish locations. Of course I very well may be mistake. Most people I’ve spoken to suggest Lourdes, despite its religious significance, is somewhat lacking in charm. Others are less kind. Can a town really be compared to a Pissoir? Perhaps I’ve made a mistake after all?

Anyways, getting there… I had looked at taking the Ferry or perhaps the Euro Star and driving South. Upon further investigation this proved less than ideal. I’m treating the Etape as a long weekend and all in the time and mental / physical effort needed to drive all the way down to the South of France would, I believe, be too much – I’d be too tired to ride. I’d also spend the next 239 days worrying about it.

Of course this decision may turn out poorly. I will need to be at Standstead Airport by 4.30am and no doubt my bike will end up broken or flown off to Peru. Which reminds me. I really do need to get a case for Florence. And yes. That white bar tape was a stupid idea as it's now very much a colour as if a dark sock had found it's way into a white wash.....

Think positive Stuart. Everything will be bon.

Mind games

2009-11-19T10:56:00.001Z

I've found this excellent post here from the BBC's Tom Fordyce on the Psychology behind the success of a few of our British cyclists.

Well worth a read - informative, educational and thought provoking.

1 month in and all's well

2009-11-16T10:55:00.000Z

Awoke this morning very much feeling in the legs that I've completed the first month of serious / proper training for next years Etape.

While modest by some standards I'm happy having completed 30 hours of training this month with an average of around 7 hours in the saddle per week. In terms of fitness and building an endurance base this is coming along nicely too. My resting HR is down a few BPM's and I'm already able to ride 3 - 5 kmph faster at a given HR (155bpm) than a month ago. Hopefully all being well I'll be able to continue these gains and build upon them over the forthcoming months.

This week is all about resting. As I mentioned above my legs are sore and I feel I've reach a point where I'm not sufficiently recovering between sessions.

I've planned a week of R&R every 5th week where I'll take the time and intensity of my training back to a level slightly below that of 4 weeks ago. I used this type of approach throughout my marathon training and found my body responded well to it.

So in summary so far so good.

I'm enjoying the training and have a pair of sit bones now used to being banged about on the saddle. I've not felt this motivated about anything for such a very long time. Without really noticing I'd clearly become jaded with running and was doing it out of a personal feeling of obligation rather than of joy or desire.

I've got the fire back.

Rainy days and thoughts of warmth

2009-11-12T16:06:00.001Z

It seems like it's been raining since Sunday of last week. Of course we shouldn't really be surprised as its the backside end of November and this is of course the UK. Given work commitments and my ongoing cowardiace at going onto the roads in the dark I'm only really able to get outside to ride the bike at weekends.

As I type the rain's lashing against the window and the wind, well it must be a force 7 / 8 semi gale too. I'll get soaked walking to the car..... But enough moaning.....

On a different note my mind has turned to thinking about the longer days in the saddle I need to do next year. Hopefully by this time next week I'll have a plan on paper for these big rides. I've already done a 100 (km) but that's really just the start isn't it? I'm hoping to do 6 / 7 sportives within the UK and also spend some time abroad in the sun sometime in the New Year and than again early June.

I'm thinking the Canaries for the new year and perhaps Italy with its heat and hills in June. Until then its the turbo during the week and then onto the road over the weekend.

Roll on the summer.......

The first 100km ride

2009-11-07T17:19:00.006Z

Woke up to clear skies and little wind. I had planned an hour long endurance session on the turbo but decided to make the most of the weather by swapping the longer ride I'd had planned for Sunday.

I'd planned this 100k route for a while having found it on the BikeRadar website. While I don't own a GPS unit I followed the route below as close as I could with a start and finish point in Wantage.

It's quite a hilly route and I'm pleased I got round in a little under 3hrs 15mins. I'll definitely do the route again. It's very picturesque with few cars making it an ideal training route. Next time I'll take my camera and I'll post a few images from along the way.

While I'm tired and perhaps a little sore in the legs I'm pleased with the day. I've gone over 100k for the first time and feel a real sense of achievement. Todays ride has further reinforced how far I've still to go before I'm physically and mentally fit enough to see the Etape through.

The other important lesson I've learned today is never to forget the chamois cream. My legs are not the only things feeling sore this evening.

More winter prep

2009-11-06T14:39:00.003Z

I've made a few alterations to Florence over the past week. She now has a set of winter tyres and some mud guards care of the nice people at Crud. How times change. Me of 15 years ago would never have used mud guards - the loss of face and verbal abuse would have been too great. These days I'm past caring how I look. A nice dry back(side) wins over style points any day.

Crud Roadracer Mudguard Set Only £25.19

Sadly fitting the damn things wasn't easy. I've never been any good at putting together flat pack furniture and it seems my lack of skills in this regard applies to putting bits on bikes.

Should it really take 2 hours to assemble a few bits of plastic on a bike? Now it's on I wonder how long it will last? The front guard looks really flimsy. A design flaw perhaps? Is mine faulty? It sure looks like others I've seen. I'll give it a go and see how I get on.

I feel guilty in hoping for rain this weekend although based on the bbc weather man I should be in luck...

Above: my local weather for the weekend care of the bbc

The wrath of Mrs T?

2009-11-04T11:38:00.002Z

Yesterday's session was a real effort. I'd had a manic day at work and wasn't home until 9ish. I've already said somewhere at the start of this blog that I don't mind turbo sessions. I actually enjoy them which seems to be a view not widely held by the majority of people - just see any cycle forum if by chance your not convinced.

Of course there are times when I do struggle to get the gear out, to set up the bike, fan and all the other associated gubbins inherent with indoor training. I could quite easily have bailed on the session. It was late, the sofa looked comfortable and the allure of rubbish TV was so very very strong....

Then something happened I didn't expect; an earful from Mrs T and quite motivational it was too. For years Mrs T has put up with my training, my times out on the road and the Sundays I've not been around. I had wondered if the Etape would be a step too far especially given the hours I'll need to devote to the training.

Seemingly not. Without her the sofa and no doubt a nice glass / bottle of red would have won me over.

Mrs T, you really are rather special.

Rain, mud and cycle computers

2009-11-01T17:10:00.004Z

Horrid day weather wise. I had planned a 3 hour or so looped trip on The Ridgeway on my MTB although the cold, rain and wind got the better of me leading me to cut the ride short by an hour. With spirits low and a damp backside (no crud cards) I set off home to seek the resolve needed not to quit these type of rides - after all, it could be like this in France in July......

Back home and having cleaned the bike I found myself looking on the web for a new bike computer. At the moment I use simple Cat Eye unit that measures speed and crank cadence. It works. Its not fancy but I'd like it do do more. I also use a wrist mounted HR monitor so it makes sense to combine the functionality into one piece of equipment.

I've narrowed the search down to two devices; the Garmin Edge 500 or the Polar CS500. Both seem very capable units with perhaps the Polar device being my more likely purchase of the two due to its cost. I've also been using Polar gear for years so I'm sure I'll take no time at all to get used to it.

I'll hold off making a decision for now. Both computers are not on sale until sometime in Q1 of '10 with the CS500 being slated for a "spring" launch.

I'll keep looking out for any reviews. If anyone can suggest anything else then I'm all ears.

above: Polar CS500 - due out in spring '10

My first "bonk"

2009-10-30T18:48:00.002Z

Or to be more on the money - hypoglycemia - when the body is suffering from low levels of blood glucose. My first and hopefully last bonk of this journey to the etape.

Weak. Dizzy. Nauseous. Heart palpitations??

That was me a few hours ago.

I finish work at 4 on a Friday and went straight out on the bike. Sadly things didn't go too well. Thankfully I was only 10 or so mins form home and not half way up the (i.e. Lance Armstrong in 2000 - sadly I cant find a good link for this - pre youtube I guess?) somewhere similar.

I really only have myself to blame. Last night I'd gone to a office leaving do and after only 5 hours sleep and too much booze. This morning I still had a 2 hour journey from London to make it into the office for half 8 which I duly managed before scoffing a bacon sandwich.

Things didn't get too much better throughout the day. Two bottle of diet coke, a packet of crisps and a shop bought sandwich left me feeling so guilty I reasoned a trip out on the bike was needed - some type of atonement perhaps?

Silly idea.

Serves me very much right.

Etape base training (Nov - Jan)

2009-10-27T13:13:00.001Z

Thought a quick update on the training is called for. For ease and honesty sake I'm able to report so far so good.

For the first few months and perhaps onwards into early Spring I've decided to focus on time in the saddle rather than miles covered.

Given my background in running this approach is counter intuitive although I understand the concept. For years I've lived on 55m - 75m week in week out. My training diary now reads in terms of mins on the road rather than miles ran - thats very much a first.

Thus far training is all about building the endurance base:

- Monday - Rest
- Tuesday - 1 - 1.5 hour within endurance heart rate (165 - 170 bpm based on my max HR of 205)
- Wednesday - 30min - 45mins recovery ride (150 - 155 bpm)
- Thursday - as Tuesday
- Friday - rest or as Wednesday
- Saturday - As Tuesday
- Sunday - 90mins to 4 hours nice and steady

I'm certainly feeling the benefits and am getting stronger on the hills and so far my body is holding up.

I seem healthy and have avoided the colds and flu that have hit colleagues and family. I've a slight ongoing discomfort in my right knee although I've had that for years so I'm not overly concerned.

I'll keep this plan going until the new year. By then I should have a stong endurance base and one that's able to cope with intervals and additional strength related sessions.

I'm rather enjoying this........

The joy of Thermos

2009-10-26T11:18:00.001Z

Really enjoyed last weeks training which finished off in a 2 hour ride in the autumn sun. Gentle warmth on the face, almost traffic free roads and a rather fine thermos waiting for me back at the car – all rather pleasant.

I mentioned in my last post I’d picked up a copy of a book aimed at the Sportive rider. Elite Performance: Cycling: Successful Sportives by Garry Palmer & Richard Allen. I’m rather impressed.

It doesn’t dwell on the science. If anything I would like to see more references to peer reviewed studies although I’d agree that isn’t the book’s aim. Where this book works so well is it’s presentation of the fundamental aspects of endurance training, ie nutrition, physiological adaptation etc, but in a fashion that’s easy to grasp.

It’s unashamedly aimed at Etape riders with a training calendar (split by novice, experienced and advanced riders) to match the July time frames.

In summary - highly recommended.

Beware the 2010 Etape - Cycling Weekly's view

2009-10-23T13:22:00.003+01:00

Just came across this exert from the Cycling Weekly blog and thought I'd share. Some interesting points from Robert Garbutt - the editor of the UK based Cycling Weekly magazine.

I'm not being a killjoy, honest. I speak from experience: I was an Etape failure in 1998. And there's that figure of some 2,000 non-finishers from this year's entry of 9,500 riders. Climbing the Ventoux can never be considered easy, but the remainder of the 2009 Etape route should be considered virtually flat compared to what's on offer next July.

He goes on....

Of course, with the right preparation, the Etape is perfectly achievable and the majority of entrants will have a fantastic day out. Then you read those online comments asking: how to enter (fair enough) and - wait for it - what type of bike to buy (grrrr). This isn't London to Brighton, you know.

Point taken....

I'll need a cunning plan

2009-10-23T09:21:00.004+01:00

"Ride the bike, ride the bike, ride the bike....."

I used this quote in my last post. Supposedly Eddy Merckx said it to a young rider when asked what was needed to become a better rider.

Eddy's quote has had me thinking. I'm going to need a training plan, and one thats specific to the Etape. I cant simply just go out and ride and think I'll be ok on the day.

The basic fitness and nutrition knowledge to get me across the line I already have (from my background in running and a seldom talked about Sports Science BSc). What I'm woefully short of is the specifics of applying the science to cycling and more importantly within an ultra endurance event. This will be my first.

The fundamentals of endurance training should be interchangeable across sports be they cycling, running, cross country skiing or long distance moose chasing. What I really need is advice and guidance on how best to apply them over the next 9 months.

I believe I've found a great starting point with a book I found on Amazon for a quid: Elite Performace: Cycling: Successful Sportives by Garry Palmer & Richard Allen. I'll have a read over the weekend.......

Meet Florence, she's my new machine...

2009-10-20T13:15:00.003+01:00

My birthday gift to myself has arrived. It came this morning fully assembled in a box the size of a Smart Car – I'll sure have “fun” getting all that cardboard into a size suitable fore recycling.

That's her above and isn't she a beauty? She's a Focus Cayo '09 with a mix of Shimano 105 & Ultegra – mmmmmmm it's carbon. It's also a compact which I hope i'll not regret when I'm half way up the Tourmalet.

As I've mentioned previously I purchased her from Wiggle who offered a healthy 20% off the list price. I had intended to opt for the full 105 groupset although suffered a slight head rush and found myself upgrading to the more expensive machine. My wife's sighs and tuts on the issue are perhaps self explanatory.

I opted for the Focus after much research from the web and from friends who ride. Buying from the net without a trial ride felt ever so slightly unnatural although Wiggle's 7 day test ride no quibble refund policy made me confident enough to make the purchase.

So far she's only done 30ks although I'm rather pleased. The saddle will have to go. It put my backside other more medically sensitive areas to sleep within 20 mins. I'll probably change the wheel set too – the Mavic Aksium's are fine although a little heavy. That purchase can wait until the spring.

What with a new bike, my entry sorted all I need do now is listen to Eddie Mercks and “Ride the bike, ride the bike, ride the bike”......

1st twinge of winter & birthday celebrations

2009-10-18T09:16:00.002+01:00

I feel lied to by the BBC weather team.

Naturally this isn't the first time I've felt short changed with their guesswork although this time is different. I had hoped to put off getting the winter gear out for at least a few weeks and last nights report of a mild Sunday put me in good spirits for this mornings ride.

Sadly upon opening my front door I was met with a definite chill. No that's not correct. Its cold. Damn cold. I'll be getting out those thermals a few weeks earlier after all. I dislike the need to layer up like this. Oh well and no bother - I cant afford to leave the UK for the warmth of Italy just yet so I'll grumble and get on with it.....

On a totally different note I turn 32 today. I'll celebrate with my wife and perhaps a few classes of wine and the good company of friends.

Tomorrow I'll nurse the hang over by getting myself a present. Wiggle's end of season sale continues. I'd feel a fool if I didn't....

All set

2009-10-15T13:04:00.001+01:00

Well I'm all set. Accommodation and entry all sorted.

Having spent much of yesterday afternoon and early evening going over the logistics of the Etape, I've opted to let other people do all the tedious organisational stuff. All i need do is get up those hills.

As I was never going to get a place via the Velo magazine I had thought about going to the event on an entry only ticket. While this seemed a great idea and while it is of course great to be an indepenent travelor the logistics dont add up.

I get lost going to the shops. I'll also never ask for directions etc so the odds on everything running smoothly in the few days leading up to the Etape would from expereince be slim to none. I've opted for a package from the seemingly good people at French Cycling Holidays. Agreed, its on the pricey side although I'll take the hit in the wallet for them to get me to and from the places I need to be in a good order.

So there's very little left for me to do but the training. Oh and perhaps to buy myself a nice light bike with a tripple?

It's the Tourmalet

2009-10-14T12:27:00.002+01:00

Well I suppose it could have been worse.....

So this years Etape is stage 17 that starts in Pau and ends up at the Tourmalet. So the rumours were true. Were all off to the very South of the country. I'd better pack lots of sun bloc.

On the face of it it seems on the short side at only 174km. While short it will certainly be intense and I'm rather chuffed the col at the finish will be the high point of the Tour. Hopefully the view at 2115m will be worth the climb......

By the look of the route it seems were being asked to tackle the Tourmalet from its steepest side from Bareges and then only after we have been over the Col de Marie-Blanque and the Col du Soulor at 1035m and 1474m respectively.

Quite clearly this will not be easy although it's do-able. I had better get shifting that flab around my gut.

Are the rumours true?

2009-10-14T10:04:00.004+01:00

Ok so I'm all set for the announcement.

Today's the day and I'm fully prepared for the news of the 2010 Tour route and by proxy the Etape. Call me sad, stupid or deranged but I'm rather excited - so much so that I've rigged up my work PC to be able to listen to the presentation of the tour route as it happens.

So yes, while I'll be at work (from where I type these words) I'll of course do my very best to look like it's business as normal and that I'm as ever adding value to the business and helping to provide ever increasing returns for the shareholders while trying to look like we really care about our customers. Of course I digress......

Actually I'm rather chuffed to be able to listen in to the news. Doing so has been quite a struggle. Naturally, some would say, my place of work rather shuns such work dodging activities as I'm soon to undertake and has seen fit to remove such opportunities by having all media players and Flash functionalities removed from everyone's PC. But not mine.

Above: Success, media working on my work PC!!!

Somehow I was able to convince the our IT department such functionality was paramount for my daily work function. The very fact that I seem to have managed without the ability to stream images and sound from the web for the past year or so of my time in the job seems not to have been noticed. This luck cant last - roll on 11.30am French time.......

Post holiday blues

2009-10-12T11:27:00.000+01:00

Well it's nice to be back. A rhetorical question but really, who needs the 27 degrees and sunny skies of Western Australia when I can enjoy the 5 degrees and drizzle Berkshire?

Still, in some ways I'm glad to be back in the UK as I've been missing my bike. I've not ridden for 3 weeks and no doubt I'll really feel it in the legs and lungs when I head out later today.

I'm also getting rather excited as the Etape route is announced later this week. I'm not one for trusting rumours although it looks like a shortish route that finishes up on the Tormalet which, as a few people will know, is at 2115m offers the highest road in the central Pyranees.

Should be an interesting week ahead......

A brief hiatus

2009-09-15T09:36:00.000+01:00

I'm off to Perth (no not the one in Scotland) for a 3 week break. Having just about moulded myself into a fairly basic training routine I'll no doubt come back having lost what little fitness I've gained since beginning this blog a few weeks ago.

That said, I'm not overly worried - the Etape isn't until mid to early July next year which is clearly plenty time to get to the level of fitness that's clearly required to complete the event. But that's really not the attitude is it? I shouldn't really be looking to simply complete the event should I? A "time" of some sorts should really be my aim.

A bronze standard perhaps, if not silver? Well perhaps..... I'll not really know how things are shaping up for 6 or so months once my body and fitness levels start to attune to cycling rather than what it's used to - i.e. running and not lots and lots of pedalling.

So OK - this is likely to be my last entry for the best part of 3 weeks and here's the story so far:

Miles ridden - 153
Weight - 12.3 St / 78kg

Back in a few weeks..............

D.O.M.S.

2009-09-11T11:53:00.001+01:00

Must admit to feeling a little on the sluggish side today. In fact it's fair to say I'm down right lethargic - heavy legs, aching thighs and hamstrings I could pluck a tune on.

Thought I'd been taking things easy over the past few days having only put in a little over 60 miles since my last post although my general feeling of fatigue suggests otherwise.

It's not an unpleasant feeling this dull ache in the legs - well not unpleasant compared to say tooth ache. It is however annoying. Walking up stairs shouldn't be hard. The less said about walking down stairs the better.

I'll not ride today - clearly I need a rest. Come Saturday I'll go out for a gentle spin and hopefully by Sunday I'll be feeling able to tackle the long Sunday ride over the hills of the Ridgeway.

Training - early days but all's good

2009-09-08T11:52:00.002+01:00

Over a week into the challenge and things are fine. No aches, pains or strains. Mileage on the bike is nothing special although I'm not keen to push myself too hard too soon. That's one thing I've learned from the past 15 years running - break the 10% week on week increase and injury surely follows.

As for the recent training I've abandoned the Turbo and have gone outside. The weekend that's just gone was splendid enough to head out onto the roads and get an easy hour and half under my belt. The weather warm with little wind - almost perfect conditions save for the pot holes and other detritus on the Berkshire roads. Fill that hole and the local government equivalent have a few new reports sitting in their email boxes.

So far I've avoided attaching my spedo or cadence sensors. For the time being I want to concentrate on getting a base level of endurance before I start to track the miles. I suspect I'll start to think about such things in early November. For the time being I need to get fit. The weekly jump on the scales remains a scary prospect. Ideally I'd like to loose 2 stone - now that is a scary thought.

Turbo love in

2009-09-03T12:13:00.000+01:00

So far so good. That said and of course I've not really gone very far at all. In fact if I'm open and honest I've not actually been outside on the bike for nearly two weeks. I seem to be the anomaly amongst bike riders by way of this simple fact - I enjoy training on a turbo. Thats correct, I like using a turbo....

Being shielded from the rain, wind and car drivers is fine enough, these advantages are a given and undisputed.

The real benefit of the turbo, in my eyes at least, is the totality of the control the individual has over the training environment. Only on the turbo can you fully analyse your style and form in totally sterile and controlled environment. Its from from here, from the garage, the front room or spare bedroom you can build a base to take outside.

Of course the one, and major, exception to the point raised above is linked into hill work. This is where there really is no substitute for actually going outside and riding in the fresh air. This probably explains why I'm rubbish at climbing.

The Etape 2010 - The Challenge Starts Today

2009-08-30T09:24:00.005+01:00

The 2009 Tour is long over and like many other thousands who watched the event from the comfort of a sofa I've been inspired to ride the Etape in 2010. Of course, as of today I have no idea when or where the event is to happen although such logistics can fall into place in the months that follow.

This is my first blog and I very much doubt anyone will find the time or any reason to pop by and read it although I figure this to be a suitable way of putting my thoughts and progress down on a type of paper so to speak that I'm unable to leave on a train.

For the most part I'm relatively fit with a fair pair of lungs and with a back ground in long distance running. That said the Etape and the distances such an event necessitates is very new to me. I'm relatively new to cycling and thus far haven't gone further than 50 miles in one go.

Training starts today. I certainly have a long way to go until the Etape in 2010 and by no means am I underestimating the challenge and work this adventure entails. As it's raining and blowing a gale outside I'll be off into the loft within a few mins to find the turbo that was sent upstairs towards the end of last winter.

I suspect the turbo and I are to become very good pals over the next few months. I must resist giving her a name.....