GT ODOMETER AT START OF SEPTEMBER 2007: 10141
GT ODOMETER AT END OF SEPTEMBER 2007: 10166
TOTAL GT MILES SEPTEMBER 2007: 25
TREK ODOMETER AT START OF SEPTEMBER 2007: 13662
TREK ODOMETER AT END OF SEPTEMBER 2007: 13987
TOTAL TREK MILES SEPTEMBER 2007: 325
TOTAL NON-TIME TRIAL MILES SEPTEMBER 2007: 284
TOTAL SOLO TIME TRIAL MILES (TREK) SEPTEMBER 2007: 50
(in 2 hours 03 minutes 44 seconds, averaging 24.245mph)
TOTAL MILES SEPTEMBER 2007: 350
(11.66 miles per day)
TOTAL MILES CYCLED IN 2007: 6263.2
(22.94 miles per day)
TOTAL MILES CYCLED SINCE 25 MAY 2003: 24153
(15.19 miles per day)
My lowest monthly mileage this year (next lowest was February with just 577.4). Many reasons for this: fatigue, realisation I was not going to be as quick as August, moving house (a big time consuming activity), a lack of commuting by bike, arguments and subsequent desire to do nothing, going to the gym a couple of times a week for intervals instead of training rides, the bee sting knocked me sideways for a few days, also I was organising a workshop for PhD students in Oxford, which took loads of time, and was finally held at the end of the month. Oh, and getting on with my PhD as I'm entering my final year...
Still, managed a couple of so-so 25s, and a circuit race. And some nice countryside rides. But the priority for the winter is the PhD. And, in any case, 300+ miles is still a lot more than most people cycle in a year.
I do have goals lined up for October: get out at least a couple of times a week for some short to mediumish rides, keep going to gym, do some hill training. I have my final TT of the year on the ski slope in mid-October, then a couple of hillclimbs. On 27 October I finish racing for the year, then take November 'off' apart from gentle riding and commuting. Winter training starts in December, and I want to put some serious mileage in then.
Sunday, 30 September 2007
East Anglian Cycling Club Open 25 mile TT
Bike: Trek
Distance: 25 miles
Time: 1 hour 02 minutes 01 seconds
Average speed: 24.187mph
Really wish I'd been out in the week for a bit of training, as this was a bit of a shock to the system - how quickly fitness/form fades away...
Anyway, headed up to carrot crunching country for this one, though part of the course briefly dipped back into the more comforting environs of Suffolk. HQ was in Earsham, and I warmed up by cycling to Bungay, which is a first for me. Another first was my mother's presence at a TT, as she'd kindly 'volunteered'/been press ganged into giving me a lift. She seemed to enjoy herself though. Largely because she didn't have to race.
I found it tough because the course didn't have any quick bits, had a coastal breeze blowing in, and I struggled for rhythm. And pace. I would have taken a 1:02 at the start of the day, but was disappointed afterwards, because other times suggested it was a 'fast' day. Hohum. Another TT chalked up, and a lesson in how not to prepare.
Distance: 25 miles
Time: 1 hour 02 minutes 01 seconds
Average speed: 24.187mph
Really wish I'd been out in the week for a bit of training, as this was a bit of a shock to the system - how quickly fitness/form fades away...
Anyway, headed up to carrot crunching country for this one, though part of the course briefly dipped back into the more comforting environs of Suffolk. HQ was in Earsham, and I warmed up by cycling to Bungay, which is a first for me. Another first was my mother's presence at a TT, as she'd kindly 'volunteered'/been press ganged into giving me a lift. She seemed to enjoy herself though. Largely because she didn't have to race.
I found it tough because the course didn't have any quick bits, had a coastal breeze blowing in, and I struggled for rhythm. And pace. I would have taken a 1:02 at the start of the day, but was disappointed afterwards, because other times suggested it was a 'fast' day. Hohum. Another TT chalked up, and a lesson in how not to prepare.
Friday, 21 September 2007
Shotley - Felixstowe - Shotley
Bike: Trek
Distance: 41.21 miles
Time: 2 hours 11 minutes 29 seconds
Average speed: 18.7 mph
Maximum speed: 34.0 mph
Odometer (at end): 13956 miles
It was a bit blowy, I wasn't in lycra (shock!) and had a bag, which mysteriously had filled up with books by the time I turned around...
Had to go to Felixstowe for an eye appointment, but also saw my elder cousin Nicola and her 2 and a half year old son, Jacob. We went for lunch then to the park - a really nostalgic afternoon, given Nicola and I used to play on the very same park when we were little!
Jacob and I get on very well. He even beseeched me to 'be careful!' when I left on my bike.
Distance: 41.21 miles
Time: 2 hours 11 minutes 29 seconds
Average speed: 18.7 mph
Maximum speed: 34.0 mph
Odometer (at end): 13956 miles
It was a bit blowy, I wasn't in lycra (shock!) and had a bag, which mysteriously had filled up with books by the time I turned around...
Had to go to Felixstowe for an eye appointment, but also saw my elder cousin Nicola and her 2 and a half year old son, Jacob. We went for lunch then to the park - a really nostalgic afternoon, given Nicola and I used to play on the very same park when we were little!
Jacob and I get on very well. He even beseeched me to 'be careful!' when I left on my bike.
Wednesday, 19 September 2007
Shotley - Bucklesham - Wickham Market - Kesgrave - Shotley
Bike: Trek
Distance: 49.10 miles
Time: 2 hours 31 minutes 02 seconds
Average speed: 19.5 mph
Maximum speed: 37.0 mph
Odometer (at end): 13914 miles
"We've been fighting a losing battle against the insects for fifteen years, but I never thought I'd see the final face-off in my lifetime. And I never dreamed, that it would turn out to be the bees. They've always been our friend."
- Michael Caine, 1978*
I have a pretty high pain threshold, but right now am tucked in bed unable to sleep owing to a considerable amount of pain, despite having taken an intriguing cocktail of out-of-date medications I found under the sink). Mental torment mixed with physical agony! No wonder I can't stop listening to this.
I decided to break what has been a relatively long spell off my bike with a trip out to Wickham Market this afternoon. Had never been before, and the village website made it out to be a pleasant enough place.
A decent ride out (at 20.2mph average), and had a cup of coffee and a bit of ginger cake at the village tea shop. Then, just after heading off again, a bee flew in my mouth and stung my lip. Pulled out the stinger, and tried to ignore initial pain. By the time I got to Woodbridge, lip had swollen massively, but nothing I could do but keep going. The swelling had gone down a lot by the time I got home, but the pain remained. Went to the gym, was told to ice it and take antihistamines. Did a bit of work on exercise bike, but bonked owing to not refuelling after 50 mile ride. No antihistamines at home, but plenty of ice... not the best of days. Wickham Market is nice though, and I recommend the tea room and its large selection of cakes.
UPDATE: now 20 September, woke up and my lip was huge and has been all day, despite relentless icing. Finally got some antihistamines this evening, but they haven't worked yet. Miserable. My mileage for September is also well down on every other month this year.
* if you are unfamiliar with 70s classic 'The Swarm', do read all about it here - the immortal dialogue section contains some more stunning quotations.
Distance: 49.10 miles
Time: 2 hours 31 minutes 02 seconds
Average speed: 19.5 mph
Maximum speed: 37.0 mph
Odometer (at end): 13914 miles
"We've been fighting a losing battle against the insects for fifteen years, but I never thought I'd see the final face-off in my lifetime. And I never dreamed, that it would turn out to be the bees. They've always been our friend."
- Michael Caine, 1978*
I have a pretty high pain threshold, but right now am tucked in bed unable to sleep owing to a considerable amount of pain, despite having taken an intriguing cocktail of out-of-date medications I found under the sink). Mental torment mixed with physical agony! No wonder I can't stop listening to this.
I decided to break what has been a relatively long spell off my bike with a trip out to Wickham Market this afternoon. Had never been before, and the village website made it out to be a pleasant enough place.
A decent ride out (at 20.2mph average), and had a cup of coffee and a bit of ginger cake at the village tea shop. Then, just after heading off again, a bee flew in my mouth and stung my lip. Pulled out the stinger, and tried to ignore initial pain. By the time I got to Woodbridge, lip had swollen massively, but nothing I could do but keep going. The swelling had gone down a lot by the time I got home, but the pain remained. Went to the gym, was told to ice it and take antihistamines. Did a bit of work on exercise bike, but bonked owing to not refuelling after 50 mile ride. No antihistamines at home, but plenty of ice... not the best of days. Wickham Market is nice though, and I recommend the tea room and its large selection of cakes.
UPDATE: now 20 September, woke up and my lip was huge and has been all day, despite relentless icing. Finally got some antihistamines this evening, but they haven't worked yet. Miserable. My mileage for September is also well down on every other month this year.
* if you are unfamiliar with 70s classic 'The Swarm', do read all about it here - the immortal dialogue section contains some more stunning quotations.
Saturday, 8 September 2007
Shotley - Bucklesham - Snape - Kesgrave - Shotley
Bike: Trek
Distance: 59.54 miles
Time: 2 hours 57 minutes 42 seconds
Average speed: 20.2 mph
Maximum speed: 36.5 mph
Odometer (at end): 13848 miles
Out to Snape, got a coffee and fudge brownie, read the local papers, cycled home again. A lovely autumnal day - dark clouds overhead, with a golden rim of sunshine on the horizon. Slightly smoky air offset by cool breeze. I went fast, but am feeling it now.
The sponsored Suffolk church cycle ride was taking place today - cue nostalgia to when I used to do this with my mum, back in the day... must've been around when the 80s turned into the 90s. I remember doing one sponsored ride on my (10th?) birthday, and getting a new Sega game afterwards. I wonder how many of the kids I saw out with their parents today will end up fanatical cyclists?
Had forgotten England were playing football, so the completely empty Ipswich roads on the return leg were a nice surprise. Nobody was about except a few gaggles of Goths.
Distance: 59.54 miles
Time: 2 hours 57 minutes 42 seconds
Average speed: 20.2 mph
Maximum speed: 36.5 mph
Odometer (at end): 13848 miles
Out to Snape, got a coffee and fudge brownie, read the local papers, cycled home again. A lovely autumnal day - dark clouds overhead, with a golden rim of sunshine on the horizon. Slightly smoky air offset by cool breeze. I went fast, but am feeling it now.
The sponsored Suffolk church cycle ride was taking place today - cue nostalgia to when I used to do this with my mum, back in the day... must've been around when the 80s turned into the 90s. I remember doing one sponsored ride on my (10th?) birthday, and getting a new Sega game afterwards. I wonder how many of the kids I saw out with their parents today will end up fanatical cyclists?
Had forgotten England were playing football, so the completely empty Ipswich roads on the return leg were a nice surprise. Nobody was about except a few gaggles of Goths.
Friday, 7 September 2007
Shotley - Flatford - A137 - Shotley
Bike: Trek
Distance: 32.21 miles
Time: 1 hour 32 minutes 59 seconds
Average speed: 20.7 mph
Maximum speed: 42.0 mph
Odometer (at end): 13788 miles
A nice, sunny afternoon, quick training ride. Still, not a whole lot quicker than last Christmas... fatigue starting to kick in?
Distance: 32.21 miles
Time: 1 hour 32 minutes 59 seconds
Average speed: 20.7 mph
Maximum speed: 42.0 mph
Odometer (at end): 13788 miles
A nice, sunny afternoon, quick training ride. Still, not a whole lot quicker than last Christmas... fatigue starting to kick in?
Sunday, 2 September 2007
West London Combine 25 mile TT
Bike: Trek
Distance: 25 miles
Time: 1 hour 01 minutes 43 seconds
Average speed: 24.304mph
A tough morning on the Amersham Road. Legs still hurt from yesterday, I hadn't eaten or slept enough and the wind was annoying. The course felt dead and I was (according to Derek who was spectating) 'all over' my bike. Usual tempo missing, but I was still nearly 2 minutes quicker than I've been on this course. My prize? Derek gave me a couple of Conti GP3000s (they don't make 'em like this anymore) - I haven't had a pair of these since 2004 and they'll come in useful for end-of-season and start-of-season events.
So, an exhausting weekend (my arm muscles hurt from the excessively heavy boxes of books I was shifting yesterday which also gave me bruises on my legs). Back to Shotley tomorrow, to unpack and begin the even more arduous task of writing my thesis.
Distance: 25 miles
Time: 1 hour 01 minutes 43 seconds
Average speed: 24.304mph
A tough morning on the Amersham Road. Legs still hurt from yesterday, I hadn't eaten or slept enough and the wind was annoying. The course felt dead and I was (according to Derek who was spectating) 'all over' my bike. Usual tempo missing, but I was still nearly 2 minutes quicker than I've been on this course. My prize? Derek gave me a couple of Conti GP3000s (they don't make 'em like this anymore) - I haven't had a pair of these since 2004 and they'll come in useful for end-of-season and start-of-season events.
So, an exhausting weekend (my arm muscles hurt from the excessively heavy boxes of books I was shifting yesterday which also gave me bruises on my legs). Back to Shotley tomorrow, to unpack and begin the even more arduous task of writing my thesis.
Saturday, 1 September 2007
Hillingdon 'Tuesday' Circuits: 4th cat race
The removal men arrived at 10 to take my stuff away, leaving me at a loss for the rest of the day. To kill the early afternoon I popped down to Hillingdon for a bit of Cat 4 road racing. Richard J was also there to take place in the E/1/2/3 event, back on his bike after a nasty crash in the week (see his shockingly hairy leg and its injuries here).
A pretty slow race, I guess, 26-odd miles at 24.2mph average. I spent a lot of it slowing the bunch up at the front, chasing down breakaways and generally putting too much work in. My own break at the end was doomed, owing to tired legs (I'd managed to pull both calves in quick succession midway through). I dropped off the back before the sprint, a bit disappointed but glad to have got round and learned a bit more about tactics. Afterwards sat on the side of the track to watch the main race culminate in an exciting three-man sprint.
A pretty slow race, I guess, 26-odd miles at 24.2mph average. I spent a lot of it slowing the bunch up at the front, chasing down breakaways and generally putting too much work in. My own break at the end was doomed, owing to tired legs (I'd managed to pull both calves in quick succession midway through). I dropped off the back before the sprint, a bit disappointed but glad to have got round and learned a bit more about tactics. Afterwards sat on the side of the track to watch the main race culminate in an exciting three-man sprint.
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