Out of condition

The mild weather continues, so managed and hour or so out yesterday after lunch - felt out of condition though as I made a meal of Kidds Hill, but after that things were better and got into some kind of rhythm. It is amazing how quickly you can lose condition if you don't keep it up several times a week. Still on the plus side this is the first year that I have ever really been cycling in November to any extent.

Winter rutting

A chill in the air and being 15 minutes late for the start of the Rutters Sunday ride yesterday failed to deter me - chased off after them and as a result of a slow start by them managed to catch up by Sharpthorne. We then all meandered off at a leisurely pace towards Cuckfield where we watched the London to Brighton vintage car rally over a warming coffee. A front group of us swept back to Forest Row at a much faster pace, mainly to keep warm. All in all about 50 kms covered so felt good later.

Hell of the Ashdown

Winter is upon us and a combination of dark nights and a busy schedule have meant only one ride the the past couple of weeks. Did take the opportunity on Monday to sign up to the 2012 season opener The Hell of the Ashdown (entries filled up very quickly) - 110kms around the forest, at the end of February no less!

Not bad for October

The weather that is, which improved nicely this afternoon to enable me to get out for a blast in my shocking pink Giro D'Italia kit. First time out in two weeks so felt a bit rusty and not in tip top form - although my average speed was perfectly respectable as I negotiated around Haywards Heath and Scaynes Hill.

Tour of Britain!

Mad person that I am I had signed up for the most difficult stage of the 2011 Tour of Britain, some 140 km around the hilly and windy Staffordshire Moorlands. So last Sunday morning at 8am saw me reluctantly at the star tin Stoke on Trent with ominous clouds looming - once underway though the first part of the course was undemanding, although too much on busy roads. After about 60 km the climbing began, as we went up and over the moors near Leek. The toughest climb was the steep 2km up Gun Hill, but those Alpine climbs meant it caused me no issues. After Leek the heavens opened - just after I had given my rain jacket to my supporters' club (Ro Nick and Izzy!) at the side of the road in Cheddleton! So in the last hour I got a real soaking - the final little rise was an amazing 30% in one place, causing traction issues and some riders to puke at the top (purple in one case!). Made it back to the finish in Stoke on Trent in just over 5 hours, quite pleasing.

Final August ride in France

Tuesday was again lovely and hot and also remarkably free of the usual winds at this time of year. I tested out the weary legs on the flat out and back to the Pujols area, a nice easy 50 kms. Turned out that I wasn't so tired after all as recorded my fastest ever average ride speed in France (with the exception of one notable descent assisted average last year). So was quite please by the time I sweated back up the 14% final gradient to Les Senies. Now up to 3,000 kms for the year so far, also a record in recent years.

Alpine challenge summary

Saturday felt kind of wierd not getting up and riding but instead sitting on a coach for four hours back to Geneva where I picked up my car and drove all the way to Les Senies. All in all in the week I think we climbed around 12 major climbs, covered around 600 kms and ascended more than 13,500 m. No wonder my legs felt tired when I went out on the short Camon loop yesterday - mind you that was still the fastest I have ever done the loop by around 2 minutes. What a bike!

Day six - Briancon to Gap the long way

Rolled oout of Briancon at 8.15 am and straight into the 20 km climb of the HC Col D'Izoard. The going was easy at first and I climbed steadily with Neil from Spain. after he stopped for some knee medication, I climbed alone and the mountain just got steeper and steeper. By the top at 2,345 m it was blowing a gale and quite cool. So no hanging about, straight down and what a descent - I hit 85 km an hour at one point (though a village). I was only caught up by the others on stopping for coffee after about 60 kms. After lunch we continued towards Gap but on a scenic route, rather than down the N road. However this involved an 18% ascent at one point, enough to reduce me nearly to tears. The final climb (only done by some) just outside Gap was the Col De Manses. Not much of a mountain but famous as at the bottom is where Beloki crashed in the 2003 Tour De France and Armstrong zipped across the filed to avoid going down. So a good photo opportunity. We reached Gap after nearly 6 hours in the saddle. I have never been so quick to pack the bike away and get showered so I could start on the beers. Such a relief to have finished without mishap, nor for that matter any mechanical problems or punctures.

Day 5 - Alp D'Huez to Briancon

We departed the Alp out the back road by the tiny airport. The going was slow as the road surface was rougher than a Marseiiles brothel. We climbed up and over the Col de Serrans at 2,000 m, followed by a very tricky descent. From there it was the long slog up the Lautert for almost 30 km to an very tasty omlette lunch at the top. Into a headwind on the descent to Briancon proving very hard going on the way down. An easier day in terms of climbing though with the total only being some 1,400 m.

Day four Vailloire to Alp D'Huez

Problems with internet access and a certain laziness after completing the Alpine challenge mean that I am only now updating the remaining three days! Day four started cooler as I headed up the steep ramp out of Vailloire and on the the Galibier, the highest point of our tour at 2,645 m and the second of four HC climbs. The wind was a bit of an issue but I made it to the top in 1 hour 45 minutes and without too many problems. It was chilly at the top, so after the obligatory photo, we descended rapidly (just missing some cows) to the top of the Lauteret fir a coffee stop. From there it was a very welcome downhill for around 20 km until we turned to go up the stunning balcony road to L'Alps D'Huez. This involved climbing 4k at an incredible 15% average gradient, but the views along the top were certainly worth it. After a welcome lunch stop, it was up the gruelling Alp D'Huez itself (another HC) followed by some lovely beer. The meal in the evening was one of the best too. Poor night's sleep again not helped at all by my roomies snoring and farting.

Days two and three - glad they are over!

No internet access last night and very poor tonight so a double post. Yesterday morning we set off early again as the day was another absolute scorcher. We started climbing immediately up out of La Clusaz on the Col des Aravis topping out at around 1,500m. This I climbed well in just over half an hour (it was 8km long). After a tricky descent next up was the Col De Saises far more of a challenge at around 16 km long and rising to 1,650 m. Fabulous views though. After an hour or so at a roadside cafe in Beaufort, I decided rather foolishly to do the long loop which meant going up nearly 20 km up the Comte De Roseland followed by the Col Due Prie (1,749 m) and back down again. The beautiful barrage at the top was almost worth it. We then had a long shelp back along the baking valley floor to our hotel in La Lechere. Six hours on the bike and I was literally cooked and could not do anything for an hour. This morning we again started climbed after only 10 minutes up the very nasty Col De La Madeleine - rising from around 400 m to 2,000 m on an incredible 26 km climb. We were doing it the same day as a very serious race, with most of them passing me on the way up. The descent was lovely though, not so the hot valley floor into a headwind. I led a small group of the tail end race guys, helping them along. This meant that by the time I was at the bottom of the Col Du Telegraphe (12 km long and 850 m of climbing)I was literally fucked and the climb took alot out of me. Felt partly restored by a beer. 5 hours 20 on the bike today and 2,700 m of climbing. Now some three hours after finishing I feel more like normal - Although not looking forward to the Galibier and L'Alp D'huez tomorrow.

Day one - Geneva to La Clusaz

Top of the first climb of the tour!

We all set of quite early this morning, just after 8am in a vain attempt to beat the heat of the day. As we did not reach the hotel in la Clusaz until 4pm that was not exactly successful! We were soon out of Geneva though on a revised and we are told more scenic route than planned. Also longer by some 15 kms and an extra climb thrown in. First climb of the day and tour was the gentle Col De Saxel at around 950 m high. I felt good and climbed at the front. After a sketchy descent next up was the Col De Perret followed by the steeper climb up to the beautiful Plaine de Joux. Puffing and sweating by this stage I was still holding my own. Not bad as most of the group are serious club cyclists and some racers. Two big guys though were in a bad way by the time we were over the fourth climb and stopped for a much needed lunch in Bonneville (Gesier salad in my case). The final effort of the day was needed to get us up the long 20 km drag to the small but bustling town of La Clusaz nestled in the mountains at around 1040 metres. After a shower and change, explored the town which had a vide grenier in full flow - lots of bloody tat as usual. 102 kms done and 1970 metres climbed in the day, quite hard for a first day. Tomorrow we start a climb almost immediatly with no warm up (The Col De Aravis). Yipee! A good meal and night's rest is in order.

At the start in Geneva

Finished the drive off down to Ambilly just outside Geneva, arriving around 2pm. On the way the temperature just got hotter and hotter reaching about 33c here - Apparently it is going to be hot all week, which will bring its own challenges. Taking the car to park it at the airport for the week was a nightmare - only 7 miles but 45 minutes each way and then the cheapest car park was not in operation, so have had to park further away and for more money. Still should be easy to get out of town from there next Saturday. Was very surprised to find that because of a number of late drop outs we are only 12 in number - quite a contrast to 2006 when there were over 40. Most have done it before, including the mad American Mack (late 6o's) and my room mate Andrew who have done all 10. Have now got the bike and kit ready for the morning which is just as well as we are setting off at 8am to beat the heat. True to form Mack has suggested a slightly longer and more demanding route than the advertised 87 kms!

On the move!

D day has now arrived - last night went out with SWMBO and our good friends Mary and Fatrat for what I had termed 'The Last Supper' at the local curry house Khans. As a dare I wore my new very gay pink Giro D'Italia cycling top - Although I did remove it after a short while for fear that the smell of stale curry would accompany me up Alp D'Huez. I had Set out all my kit very carefully and around lunchtime set off in the car for Dover. An uneventful journey saw me at my hotel in Chalons Sur Champagne by around 9.15pm. Managed to dive in to the restaurant next door for a carafe of Merlot and grilled duck breast with more fat on it than Jordan's biggest assets. Actually the meal has cheered me up a bit as before I was feeling a bit down - wondering why I was putting myself though a week of cycling purgatory whilst Mrs M and Nick lie on the beach in Connecticut! Future posts this week will be dependent on the availability of wifi on my travels. Allez Allez as a friend of mine said to me today!

D day approaches

My departure for the Alps is now coming round very rapidly - tested out my legs and bike on a circuit including Kidd's Hill. My new Cateye computer working perfectly, including the climb information. And no wonder Kidd's Hill is tough, it has sections at 13 and 15%! Still made up there in under 7 minutes with a gear still to spare. Gradually getting all the kit together, am paranoid about leaving something crucial behind!

It is steep in Staffs!

Just back from weekend with the parents in the Staffordshire Moorlands. Took the bike and got out this morning for a ride. I had forgotten just how demanding the areas is for cycling, steep, poorly maintained 'heavy' roads together with rampant winds. I headed up to the top ridge near the Roaches outside Leek and was confronted by a hill with a 16% gradient!! Still made it up with no real issues, although it did affect my overall pace for a while after.

Now into last week before leaving for the Alps, so need to maintain some regular but not too strenuous rides over the next few days whilst getting all my kit ready. The final thing still waiting on from Wiggle is a pink! Giro D"Italia kit, which will be interesting particularly if I am climbing like a geriatric.

My bike fits!

Today spent over 2 hours with the BG fit expert at Wildside Cycles in Tunbridge Wells - where he conducted a range of tests to see how my bike was fitting, my riding style etc. It was reassuring to know that I wasn't too far out with things like saddle height etc but nonetheless the saddle was lowered by 6mm and brought forward by about 10mm! Apparently small changes can make a big difference and it certainly felt very fast and comfortable on the way back from Tunbridge Wells.

Earlier in the week the improved speed was confirmed by a ride to and from work (going the long way back) which knocked around 12 minutes off my previous best, a massive difference - and the highest average speed recorded in the UK in the past few years!

Gifts from the Planet X

On Friday it arrived - my new nanolight road bike from Planet X. Looks amazing and is so light (the frame weighing in at only 920 g). Mind you I have had to send the new multi function computer back as it just would not stop - I even supposedly managed over 800 kms in my sleep!.

Its first outing was with the Rutters yesterday morning, a casual loop down round Uckfield and back up over the forest. The bike seemed to fly up the inclines, although the SRAM red gears (as used by the pros) are taking some getting used to. Today rode to work and back, recording fastest ever average speed in UK and knocking over 12 minutes off the return trip.

All publicity is good publicity!

Cycled into work yesterday in record time, arriving for a few publicity shots in aid of my Alps ride for the Guide Dogs for the Blind next month - hopefully I will be making an appearance in a number of local papers and publications!

I have also bitten the bullet and ordered a fully carbon fibre Nanolight bike from Planet X which is being built as we speak - more pics and information to follow!

Blown to bits

As it is back to old Blighty on the evening flight I got out early for a shorter 'wind down' loop which turned out to be hard work on account of extremely blustery conditions - at one point I turned a corner and was almost brought to a standstill by a powerful blast of headwind. Third ride out on the new Mavic wheels and whilst they are at the base end of what Mavic offer, they do seem to perform well and offer a slightly more cushioned ride. Post service the bike is also running smoother than before. Now up to my 2009 total distance of just over 1,900 kms and have 2010's total firmly in my sights.

Miles and miles and miles

Really into the swing of it now with a French record breaking curcuit today of 96 kms encompassing Chalabre, Puivert, Quillan, Espereza, Chalabre and back to Les Senies. Made quite demanding by the awful wind and a lomgish 7 km climb up from Rovenac on the way back. A delicious steak and chips meal courtesy of mother in law was my reward when I got home!

Vive la Tour 2011!

Yesterday made my way via some hairy back roads to the town of Les Cabannes which lies at the foot of the Plateau de Beille which I had suffered going up on Thurdsay. I now realise why as a quick check on Climbbybike reavealed that it was ranked as the most difficult climb I have ever done, ranked even harder that the Galibier. So I feel a little better knowing that. Les Cabannes as you would expect was packed and had a real party atomosphere, with plenty of drunken but friendly Spanish even at noon. I soaked up the many sights whilst having a couple of beers at a roadside shack -some lovely such as the cute Danish and Norweigen babes in their very tight shorts and some which were more vomit inducing! The day was hot and sunny, up to 28c and by the time I had made it on foot a couple of kms up the mountain I decided enough was enough and found a good shady spot on a kink in the road with a good viiew. The only trouble was that after about an hour the sun had moved round, exposing us all to the full glare of the sun. The pubilicty caravan was its usal mad self, dispensing worthless nicknacks over which we all still fought. By the time the race reached us (the stage was ending on the summit) it was completely strung out over about 20 minutes. Good to see the sweat running off the riders and from their looks you could tell it was still very tough for them, albeit that the leading riders probably managed the acsent in a lttle over half the time it took me. Poor old Cav was the very last guy, being nursed home by a couple of his team mates. He only just made the time limit to avoid elimination. Today was a completely different story in all ways. The tour was starting in Limoux for the very first time and unfortunately for them the day dawned with a massive thunderstorm. This definately reduced the spectator numbers from normal. Whilst not good for business in the town, it meant that I got a prime position outside the team Sky bus and had brief chats with Geraint Thomas and a couple of other sky riders. Some great close up photos too. After seeing them on their way and a quick lunch, I went out on a shorter 1 hour 45 loop on fairly flattish roads towards Pamiers, the rain just holding off until I got back. Was back in time to see Cavendish take his 19th stage victory, what a contrast from just 24 hours earlier.

Pain is all in the mind

And it has certainly been in mine these past couple of days - Having arrived at Les Senies late on Wednesday night, I was out yesterday on an 8O km loop which started and ended in Saint Paul de Jarret near Foix. After heading down towards Tarrascon on a back road, I took a left at the village of Bompas on the the aptly named Route des Corniches. A stiff but strangely un-named 8km climb up took me onto a ridge from where I was able to descend down a narrow and tricky lane into Les Cabannes. From there I struggled up the fearsome Plateau de Beille where the Tour de France will pass tomorrow for a mountain top finish. Already there were a good many camper vans and tents in position and many more arriving as I climbed. Many offered words of encouragement which was good as at times I was going so slowly that flies were gathering around me. The total climb was an ascent of 1,255 m over 16km to a height of just under 1,800m. At the top it was quite chilly and misty and as usual with nothing much to recommend it apart from the spectacular views. On the whole climb I was only over taken by two guys (much younger!), just near the top, but then again I only passed one rider myself. I am planning to watch the Tour there tomorrow. The crowds will be vast so I am planning on going up some of the way on foot, having parked near the bottom wherever I can find a space. Today dropped my Bianchi in at Cycle Passion for a service and the two new Mavic Askium wheels I had brought out from the UK. I thus ventured out on the Trek with heavy legs and an uncomfortable right knee. Did 75km down to and over Montsegur (1,095 m) coming back via Lavelanet. Then a quick tea and back to Pamiers to collect the Bianchi. All was done, but they got me a bit worried when they started pointing at the chain - in fact they say it is half worn and only (!) has about another 5,000 kms left in it. We all had a chuckle when I said that it will be a good two years before I got to that point. The bike is feeling heavy though, compared to the Boardman I picked up in Halfords. Not so sure making do with this bike for the Alps trip in August is the right thing now....

Six weeks to go until the Alps week!

My week of torture in the Alps is coming round fast and is now only six weeks away. Training going ok i guess, another 106km sportive last Sunday and a 70km round trip to work in the rain so far this week. UK total distance covered now already past the 2010 total.

The wait is over...

The 2011 Tour de France is underway - Very excited as Mrs M has kindly bought me a nifty little app for the iPhone which shows real time progress of each stage! The start of the tour has also incentivised me to sign up for a ride over an entire 14okm stage of the Tour Of Britain in the hilly Staffordshire Moorlands in late September. Silly me!

Training ups and downs

Getting in a few rides now, although each shorter than ideal for various reasons. Am hoping to get set up to start cycling to work in Lewes at least a couple of times a week, but this is harder than I thought because of days when I have meetings and need the car - no client is going to be best pleased if I turn up sweaty in tight fitting lycra!

Yesterday I heard the mad 24 hour UK time trial was held. The winning rider was my age and managed an unbelievable 540 miles in 24 hours - insane ! I don't think I would be wanting to see his undercarriage any time soon.

Alps tour August 2011

The itinerary is now out for my August fund raising tour to the Alps and it is more scary than I thought!

The week long challenge runs from Lake Geneva to L’Alpe d’Huez and beyond to raise funds for the Guide Dogs for the Blind. Following in the footsteps of the 2011 Tour De France it incorporates many famous Alpine climbs , including:

• Col De Perret
• Col des Aravis
• Col des Saises
• Cormet de Roseland
• Col de Prie
• La Lechere,
• Col du Madeleine
• Col du Telegraphe
• Col de Galibier
• L’Alpe d’Huez
• Col du Lauteret
• Col D’Izoard

In all over 17,000 metres of climbing during the week. Knowing that now I definitely need to up the training and maybe even get a new bike!

Tour De Weald

Braved the very un-June like damp and windy weather yesterday morning for the Tour De Weald, 103 kms of ups and downs starting and finishing in Burgess Hill. Got off to a good start tagging on to the back of a fast group and following the delectable rump of a young blonde girl - always a good incentive to keep up in my view!

However a few kms in saw me hit a pothole, upsetting the computer and for the next few kms it was stop-start whilst I got it functioning again. Got back into my rhythm over a number of lumpy little climbs near Mayfiield and Heathfield. was going quite well until I went through another rough patch, resulting in the dreaded rear wheel puncture. By now it was drizzling too and it took a good 20 minutes at the side of the road and a Samaritan with a pump before I got going again. After that it was a bit of a slog until the feed station at Chiddingly where a handful of jelly beans worked wonders, enabling me to complete the route back through Ringmer to Burgess Hill in good time, just getting under the 4 hour mark for the ride (my target). Even got a gold certificate this time!

Broken spokes and broken weather

Down here for the past few days, weather has been prefect back in Blighty but pretty mixed here - have managed 4 rides so far, including a not very pleasant one in the pouring rain where the temperature dropped to only 8c on the climb up out of Puivert on the road to Belesta. Had more trouble with another spoke on the real wheel of the Bianchi going on the roller-coaster ride back from Fanjeux. Got it fixed yesterday but the bad news is that the wheel is wearing out and an expensive replacement may be needed soon - certainly before my week in the Alps in August as I need total reliability there. The local bike shop suggested some bullet proof Mavic wheels but at nearly 500 Euros each that is not a decision to be taken lightly. I shall see what Bianchi ones are available at Wildside in Tunbridge Wells. As a result resorted to the number 2 bike today, the Trek which I actually think is faster and more comfortable on the flat, although the gearing makes a steep incline less pallitable. Will do some more field testing tommorrow if the weather holds.

King of the Downs? - Not quite!

Yesterday saw me up and out of the door and riding into a fine drizzle at the unearthly hour of 7.15am, heading in the direction of Crawley where I had signed up for the Western loop of the King of the Downs (An Evans Cycles sportive). Quite a challenge with 5 climbs in Surrey totalling over 1,300 metres and including Box Hill. My fitness must be returning somewhat as I managed them all and the return ride home with no major cramps and no ill effects or stiffness at all today - Although at my age sometimes a little stiffness in the right place can be welcome! Got a nice tow along drafting behind a big German (Jan Ullrich?!) for a few kilometres on the windy way back to Crawley which helped a bit. Now looking forward to France next week, still need to shed a few kgs though...

Vicars and nuns

Finally managed to get out yesterday morning for the first time in a week, so made the most of it with a nice length ride down through Chelwood Gate and Nutley and on past Isfield. All was good until I switched direction to head towards Barcombe and Hamsey when I was confronted with a chilly headwind. Still battled on like a vicar at a nuns' tea party, heading back via Wivesfield Green and Scaynes Hill. In all about 70 km, and back by just after 10.30am, quite satisfying.

Finished myself of by spending the afternoon digging out my son's back garden in Portsmouth - He says a beautiful old Peugeot racer (vintage being the official term) found in the garden could be worth up to £1,000 if restored!!

A ride a day keeps the flab away!

Since returning from France last Friday, managed 4 days on the trot out in the sunshine around the glorious spring countryside of Kent and Sussex. Nothing too strenuous but just regular and reasonable. hopefully of some more over yet another extended holiday weekend....

Tut tut tardy me

Have been a bit lax - returned from France last week having got a couple more windy sunburned rides in there - On the way down to Limoux unto a headwind the going was even harder than I expected. I stopped only to find another rear spoke had gone and that the wheel was therefore rubbing on the brakes. Being a Monday of course the bike shop in Limoux was closed, so had to take it to my favourite guys in Pamiers. Also took advantage to get some super strong new tyres with some sort of carbon compound in them. Hopefully they will last longer than the last cheapo set I bought.

A ride a day keeps the doctor away

Down at Les Senies since Friday morning - the weather is glorious, sunny and warm and so far have managed a good ride each day. Feeling stronger with each ride and coped today with being battered by some stiff breezes. Even tackled a new climb between Rivel and Puivert without too much difficulty. Hopefully more of the same over the next few days.

Mounting Mugabe

The fabulous weather has helped to get me out a couple of times in the past few days, gradually getting power back, inspired by the great racing in the Belgium Classics in the past two weeks or so. Thursday evening even saw me mounting (no that doesn't sound very PC!) the 20% test of Motts Hill near Groombridge. A bit of a Mugabe of a hill - short but a real bastard....

The long hard slog

Back to peak cycling condition and fitness has begun with a modest ride around the forest down to Scaynes Hill and back - started off feeling terrible but managed to get into a rhythm of sorts and at least the Spring weather was benign. Did get cramps again though, directly after a gel so I am starting to wonder if they are the cause. Next ride I will stick to other foods and see what happens...

No pain no gain

Last Sunday I struggled through the 88km version of the Burgess Hill Springtime Classic sportive around my usual haunts of the Ashdown Forest. - started off well enough, in my new cold weather gear, but from about the 50 km mark I started suffering badly from cramp in the thighs. Most unpleasant, as every time I got out of the saddle on an incline, my legs basically locked. Climbs such as that to Goat I was struggling up at only two thirds of my normal pace. Not sure as to the cause, as I had certainly taken plenty of fluid and food on board.

Very frustrating though, as is my general lack of early season fitness. Carrying a few more pounds than I should be does not help. Need to up my game considerably in my preparations for the Alps in August.

Rutting season

Went out at the unearthly hour of 8.30 am to join some of the Forest Row Rutters - This is not an outdoor sex club but a group of local guys of varying middle age and middle age spread like myself who enjoy riding around Sussex and beyond. Despite the near freezing start temperature, 8 of us set of for a loop to Lewes and back with the welcome enticement of a breakfast at Bills. So glad I got a new thermal top from the Wild Side yesterday which kept me cosy and snug despite the biting wind. Lack of fitness aside, it was an enjoyable 75km run out. It was good to cycle in company, even if it was a bit slower pace overall than had I been out on my own. More rutting in future weeks I think - also have the Burgess Hill Sportive coming up in only 2 weeks time. Scary!

Extreme weather

Down in Mirepoix for a quick weekend visit, to check that the old place was still standing - pleased to say that all is in order, with not too much cleaning or gardening needed. The area is in the grip of a vicious cold snap with lots of snow flurries and a maximum temperature today of minus 2 c. There was also an evil wind, so that the chill factor meant that it was more like minus 8 c. Being the mad dog I am I deceided I desparately needed a blast of fresh air and ventured out, kitted up as warmly as possible - Not warm enough as within 15 minutes my face and jaw ached from the cold, my hands were numb and my chest felt like an ice block. After an hour or so I had had enough and headed back to the sanctury of home. By then I could not feel my feet at all and it took a good 30 minutes before normailty was restored. The forecast for tomorrow is even worse and so my plans of a longer ride in the Foix area are now looking like lunacy. And to think last week it was a balmy 15 c down here!

First ride of 2011 - with Mrs M!!!

Despite a very blustery and overcast afternoon, when I announced my intention to get a little ride under my belt my better half declared that she would like a ride (again?!) too and with me - if I promised not to leave her. So we togged up, pumped up the mountain bike tyres and set off along the old cycle track to East Grinstead and beyond. Around 25 km in total, which Mrs M survived without too many complaints - well lots actually! Revived her with a coffee in East Grinstead on the way back, what more can a girl ask for these days.

Another year gone .. the 2010 summary

Exceeded my 2,000 km target for 2010 by several hundred km, mainly due to the extra 'gardening leave' in the summer (Thank you Mazars!) and a couple of decent Spring Sportives. The total distance was 2,347 km, split 1,225 km in France and 1,122 km in the UK - The French kms being as usual faster, by nearly 2 km per hour. Overall well up on the previous years:

2006 - 1,298 km

2007 - 1,042 km

2008 - 1,630 km

2009 - 1,916 km

Despite being older and probably fatter, this year's average speed was again up by 0.5 km an hour over 2009 and 1.5 km an hour over 2007.

So for 2011 I am raising the bar a little higher and aiming for 2,500 km - hopefully the recently booked Sportives, together with the summer Tour of the Alps should help with that. And some winter training rides if ever it gets a little warmer.