Highwaymunky

Ride to work 2.9.08

2008-09-02T15:27:00.004+01:00

This mornings ride in was an attempt to redeem myself from the struggle to ride in yesterday was and I wanted to see if all my fitness had really disappeared or it was the hang over from the weekend?

It was mostly the hang over from the weekend but still fairly hard work!

Whilst taking my usual few photo shots I thought I'd try and do a video of some of the ride but could not get my camera phone to stay where it could see ahead.

Any way here is my attempt at a ride video!

Yer I did drop the phone....oops!

P.S.
I'm back on the knobbly tyres and really enjoying it.
Quite muddy today but it was so good.

PPS
Check out the new Hope skewers! (the old ones kept coming loose!!) Sexy!

Suffering because of the pleasure that was had.

2008-09-01T09:25:00.000+01:00

The pleasure is not the cycling, the pleasure was had on saturday night on the Toon! (Newcastle upon Tyne)
The stag do was great, Loads & i mean Loads of meat cooked on the BBQ and beers drank then out into town for more beers and some dancing!! Oh Yer Baby Dancing!! Then back to Phils for more BBQ more meat, & passing out.

Felt rough yesterday, really rough!

Today all the family start new things:

The Mrs starts her new Job! Good luck Honey!

Little ones starting with new babysitters & child minders until school starts.

I got back on the knobbly tyes and rode to work feeling the pain have not ridden for 2 weeks, eaten & drank loads and still suffering from saturday night.... urgh!

Anyway photo's of the drop, pop & up.

Drop.

Pop.

Up.

Stag Do!!

2008-08-30T13:11:00.003+01:00

Brother in law to be's do today.

Wednesday

2008-08-27T08:00:00.000+01:00

Woody Single track fun!

Tuesday

2008-08-26T08:00:00.000+01:00

En route to Hill of Death & Pain

Monday

2008-08-25T08:00:00.000+01:00

Horse track Hill

Sunday

2008-08-24T08:00:00.000+01:00

XC ride Single track fun!!

Saturday

2008-08-23T08:00:00.000+01:00

XC ride home

Friday

2008-08-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

Derwent

Thursday

2008-08-21T08:00:00.000+01:00

Old Commuting Picture - Lane from Aston to Ulley

Holidays

2008-08-20T08:00:00.001+01:00

I'm off on Holiday for a week to Momentum so I'll be posting pictures from rides.

Later Ya'll

Horse Track Hill

The british are coming!!

2008-08-19T15:24:00.000+01:00

British cyclist Chris Hoy clinched a hat-trick of gold medals as he beat team-mate Jason Kenny in the sprint.

Victoria Pendleton won Britain's sixth track cycling gold of the 2008 Olympics with victory over Australia's Anna Meares in the women's sprint final.

Paul Goodison made up for his Athens heartbreak by winning sailing's Laser class on Tuesday for Great Britain's 13th gold of the Beijing Games. (who lives near me)

Golden weekend!

2008-08-18T10:38:00.001+01:00

Holy Mowley Chris Hoy almighty!

It is almost unbelievable how good team GB has been this weekend we are now 3rd in the medal table. THIRD!!

Rank	Country	Gold	Silver	Bronze	TOTAL
1	China	35	13	13	61
2	USA	19	21	25	65
3	Australia	11	10	12	33
4	Great Britain	11	7	8	26
5	Germany	9	6	7	22
6	South Korea	8	9	5	22
7	Japan	8	5	7	20
8	Russia	7	12	12	31
9	Italy	6	6	6	18
10	Ukraine	5	3	6	14

And in the cycling my own passion we own it!! awesome stuff. Nicole Cooke tapped the dam and opened a flood of medals for the British team. Awesome stuff.

Cycling Road medals table

Monday, 18 August 2008 10:23 UK

Rank	Country	Gold	Silver	Bronze	TOTAL
1	Great Britain	1	1	0	2
Women's Individual Time Trial		0	1	0
Women's Road Race		1	0	0
2	Switzerland	1	0	2	3
Men's Individual Time Trial		1	0	0
Men's Road Race		0	0	1
Women's Individual Time Trial		0	0	1
3	USA	1	0	1	2
Men's Individual Time Trial		0	0	1
Women's Individual Time Trial		1	0	0
4	Spain	1	0	0	1
Men's Road Race		1	0	0
5	Sweden	0	2	0	2
Men's Individual Time Trial		0	1	0
Women's Road Race		0	1	0
6	Italy	0	1	1	2
Men's Road Race		0	1	0
Women's Road Race		0	0	1

Cycling Track medals table

Monday, 18 August 2008 10:23 UK

Rank	Country	Gold	Silver	Bronze	TOTAL
1	Great Britain	4	2	2	8
Men's Individual Pursuit		1	0	1
Men's Keirin		1	1	0
Men's Points Race		0	0	1
Men's Team Sprint		1	0	0
Women's Individual Pursuit		1	1	0
2	Spain	1	0	1	2
Men's Points Race		1	0	0
Women's Points Race		0	0	1
3	Netherlands	1	0	0	1
Women's Points Race		1	0	0
4	Germany	0	1	1	2
Men's Points Race		0	1	0
Men's Team Sprint		0	0	1
5	Cuba	0	1	0	1
Women's Points Race		0	1	0
6	France	0	1	0	1
Men's Team Sprint		0	1	0
7	New Zealand	0	1	0	1
Men's Individual Pursuit		0	1	0
8	Japan	0	0	1	1
Men's Keirin		0	0	1
9	Ukraine	0	0	1	1

Bradly Wiggins & Steve Burke

Chris Hoy winning the Men's keirin

Rebecca Romero and Wendy Houvenaghel

P.S.
The gold rush continued for Great Britain in the Laoshan velodrome today as Bradley Wiggins, Geraint Thomas, Paul Manning and Ed Clancy sped to a world-record breaking victory in the men’s team pursuit, riding the 4,000 metres in a peerless 3:53.314, only 24 hours after breaking the previous world record.

Dog Chase

2008-08-14T10:37:00.000+01:00

I like dogs (generally) small ones are fine with me and I usually pass several on the way home from work out for walks with their owners.

Yesterday I passed a lady with a West Highland Terrier, I politely said "excuse me please"
I was going slow enough not to surprise her or the dog, they moved to the side to let me pass, the dog stayed with it's owner very well behaved until I had got about 2 feet past them,

You could almost her the thought drop into the dogs mind

"mmm Ello Wabbit!"

Off he shot yapping and barking chasing me,

Now this is a tiny little dog and I'm in no real danger of being hurt, but neither do i want to be bitten or run the dog down so I stand up and sprint away,

The dog keeps coming,

I am away from him but he's still chasing me,

About 1/4 of a mile later I come to the gate and stop to go through look round and the little bugger is still chasing me with his owner tagging along miles behind!

He runs up to me, knackered.... yaps, barks, sits down.

Stupid dog. I give him some of my water and wait for his owner to catch up.

This is the funniest dog chase experience I've ever had. They usually end in terror or being bitten but yesterdays was funny.

Terrifying isn't he!!

hOLy mOLLEY tHaTs cOld!!

2008-08-13T20:00:00.000+01:00

Testing Ice baths

A recent post by Rachel of Diary of an amateur triathlete Got me thinking if this crazy technique could be of use to me in my daily commuting & training sessions.

So following a 5k run with lots of sprint intervals mixed in I stretched and ran a very cold bath, Unfortunately I was low on ice so I just kept topping up the cold.

Stripped off,

Put a toe in

"ooOOOHH! That's cold!"

I believe my wife's exact words (as she stood there sniggering) were

"get in quick it'll be easier you big wimp! he he he!"

So in I jump

AaaArRrGGhhHHhhHHHH!!!

That is shocking, I can't breath.... testicles have retreated some where within....

A couple of gasping minutes later

ooooohhhh! It's cold but it's kind of nice!

10 Minutes later

My legs were numb,

I was very cold,( I'll not go into details regarding my manhood but fella's you can imagine!)

Warm jogging bottoms on and off to bed...

Got up in the morning and my legs felt, great, wait really great... long ride great!

Kit on out of the door!

40km later I still felt good!

Ice baths work! it's a shocking but beneficial experience

Saddle Joy!

2008-08-13T10:36:00.000+01:00

I have been suffering on the road bike of late due saddle comfort issues. I do not have this problem on the MTB as it has an excellent saddle.

It is a Specialized BG Alias Performance Saddle it is hard as rock but very comfortable on the long rides, weighs about the same as a teaspoon and it looks great on the bike.

"So just swop saddles over" I hear you say.

"But" I can't be bother trying to swop it from one seat post to the other seat post every time I want to change bikes.

So i'll just suffer.

But in some wave of genius yesterday evening I thought I wonder if the seat post is the same size? Nah! can't be MTB and Road won't.....be.... the....... YES!!

Get in!!

I know this is trivial but it means I can swop from one bike to another saving my ass! without having to payout for an expensive saddle and so staying in the Mrs's good books, (always a good place to be)

So to celebrate I went a early morning 40K ride. Taking in some of the Epic Ride from a few weeks ago but today I felt great! I was strong I made sure I hydrated well and ate every 30mins. I've discovered the best bike snack giving the correct amount of sugar, carbs, fat, salt to keep you going all day,

Can you guess what this wonder snack is?

Mars Bar!

Evidence is here & Here

It may not be the best for ultra athletes but for me at my level it works great (& is a 3rd of the price) So with my wonder bar and strong legs it was a great ride I did an extra 8km in the same time as I have previously done 32km so really pleased there's some results from all these days of riding.

Pics of the ride.

Beaucoup Rain!

2008-08-12T08:58:00.000+01:00

Today's commute confirmed a few things for me,

My choice of wet weather gear is correct,

I have gone for the following:

Polaris jacket (waterproof) Very comfy, vented underarms, sealed zips, rear pocket access. reflective strips.

Endura over trousers, shaped at the knee, velco legs straps, fully water proof. very comfy

Seal Skinz Socks (not my legs) water proof socks

Northwave gran Canion Goretex SPD boots

Rucksack comes with its own built in rain cover

This combination left me feeling comfortable and mostly dry whilst riding to work in a torrential downpour, all of which is currently hanging in the drying room. Honestly the trousers are the best thing for commuting as they keep me so much more comfortable in the weather. Which today was terrible.

2. People are wimps.

I was told that I was a fool for cycling to work this morning. To which I have the following few ranting objections! (warning rant ahead)

It's only rain (given it was a lot of rain) but only rain!
This is why the good Lord blessed us all with water proof skin!
This is why people have spent years designing, testing, perfecting outdoor clothing like the above.
It's still cheaper, healthier, more environmentally sound etc. to cycle even in the rain.
Do people think it didn't rain before cars were invented?
When it rained prior to the invention and mass production of the car did people not go to work when it rained?

No people just walked, rode their bikes and caught the bus to work and worked as usual, amazing no?

So I shall be making an effort to show how easy it is commute by bike what ever the weather!

Ride Hard!!

Olympic Update:

2008-08-11T09:34:00.003+01:00

Team GB's first medal of the 2008 summer Olympics was Gold!!

It came in the form of an awesome finish in the women's road race. Nicole Cook blasted her way through the lead pack to win in the final sprint.

Video Highlights here: Click

Also in the pool we won Gold & Bronze

More info here: Click

Team GB take their second gold, as Rebecca Adlington (left) wins the 400m freestyle final, with team-mate Jo Jackson claiming bronze.

The Olympics is on!!

2008-08-08T13:51:00.003+01:00

Can't wait to see the Olympic cycling this year.
I'm going to be bold and say that we are going to rule the 2 wheeled events!

Team GB for cycling events are:

BMX
Shanaze Reade
Liam Phillips

Mountain Bike
Oliver Beckingsale
Liam Killeen

Road
Jonny Bellis (Men's Road Race)
Steve Cummings (Men's Road Race & Individual Time Trial)
Roger Hammond (Men's Road Race)
Ben Swift (Men's Road Race)
Nicole Cooke (Women's Road Race)
Sharon Laws (Women's Road Race)
Emma Pooley (Women's Road Race)

Track
Steven Burke (Team Pursuit)
Mark Cavendish (Madison)
Edward Clancy (Team Pursuit)
Ross Edgar (Team Sprint and Keirin)
Chris Hoy (Sprint, Team Sprint and Keirin)
Jason Kenny (Sprint and Team Sprint)
Paul Manning (Team Pursuit)
Chris Newton (Points Race)
Victoria Pendleton (Sprint)
Rebecca Romero (Individual Pursuit and Points Race)
Jamie Staff (Team Sprint)
Geraint Thomas (Team Pursuit)
Bradley Wiggins (Individual Pursuit, Team Pursuit and Madison)
Wendy Houvenaghel (Women's Individual Pursuit)

Britain is the only nation to secure places in all track events for Beijing,

Bradley Wiggins, Chris Hoy, Victoria Pendleton and Rebecca Romero will spearhead the Olympic challenge. They helped GB to gold in eight of the 10 Olympic events at the Worlds, in Manchester.

Mark Cavendish is on form from his 3 stage wins on this years Tour de France.

Shanaze Reade is women's BMX world champion and expected to star in the sport's Olympic debut.

We are so going to kick ass!!

Enjoy it!

The system & the rain

2008-08-07T16:12:00.004+01:00

I friend at work asked me today if I'd checked the weather for riding to work tomorrow,

I replied a bit puzzled "No, Why"

"Well" said the friend "what if it's raining?"

"Then it rains".

This got me thinking on the change in attitude cycle commuting brings. I do not worry about the weather when I'm cycling to and from work, I used to, but now I don't.

If it's raining when I set off, I wear a water proof jacket.

If it's really raining, I wear full water proofs, (jacket, trousers,socks & shoes) But it's also got to be fairly cold too. (which it usually is here)

If it's cold I wear another layer,

If it's snowing I wear another layer + water proofs

All my gear is in the garage next to my bikes so I just pick it up and go, just like all my clothes are in a pile near the back door so I get up stumble downstairs pull my gear on and go.

"How organised" you say,

"Well good for you" others pronounce

"You anal git"....... "Oi!"

Anyway when I first started to commute I used a massive rucksack and containing within:

Full change of clothes for the day (including work boots)
lunch, (usually tin of soup + other bits not light)
water proof jacket (if not wearing it)
Spares & repair kit (pump, 2 tubes, repair kit, chain lube, chain tool, tyre levers, chain links, electrical tape, zip ties, plasters, paracetamol, hay fever tablets)

So I could just about lift the bag onto my back, I then rode to work in very short cheap baggy cycling shorts, free ride long sleeve top, Piss pot helmet, feet in toe clips, walking boots on feet!

I can not believe how hard it used to be to get to work!

But over the last year or so there has been a transition I now go with the following:

Smaller rucksack
Shirt / t-shirt & under wear, (I take most clothes in on a Monday for the rest of the week)
Lunch (smaller soups, fruit, tinned fish, porridge - all purchased and brought in Monday)
Water proofs, (as previously said if it looks like rain I'll wear it if not don't)
Spares, (spare tube, levers, zip ties,CO2 pump in saddle bag - multi tool, Allen keys, Samaritan tube in rucksack)

Clothing for the commute is now usually, cycling shorts, cycling top, cycling shoes, XC helmet,

I hadn't even noticed the transition of:
leaving boots at work,
leaving a spare shirt & trousers at work,
Bring in more on Monday and less through the week,

The slow evolution of clothing to get to the most practical minimalist stage has taken while and for a while it was hard but it gets easier. (either that or you just get used to it)

I think what I am trying to say is that my commuting experience has come along way and that when you change your lifestyle to commuting by bike it will be hard for a while but it gets easier and is so very worth while.

I've even inspired a couple of colleagues to do it too!

*Note*
The system broke down a bit today I wore the non water proof jacket in the rain! very wet!

Training Hard

2008-08-07T11:18:00.002+01:00

Yesterday was a hard training day.

I've extended my usual ride to work adding a couple of hills and a nice 2 mile long straight.
Running yesterday was basically chasing my "Uber" fit colleague then doing lots of sit-ups and press-ups.

Seriously I could keep up with him no problem a week ago.

Take a few days off eat your own body weight in birthday cake and fast food and all of a sudden you can't run.... Go figure!

Today I hurt, enough so that I can feel I've been working out but not so much I can't move.

No running today though.....

Oh and this is post 100!

(Sorry the blog's been a bit lame of late. More effort & more thoughtful posts are coming soon!)

Secret Commute Bike Race Club - Update

2008-08-06T10:23:00.002+01:00

This past week's results.
This week I have mostly been riding the road bike (roadie + hairy legs) & wearing cycling shorts and t-shirt

No of cyclist over taken
4

Category of cyclist
2 Roadies +2
1 Roadies with hairy legs 0
1 MTBs on Nobbies 0

Category of clothing
1 full Lycra/helmet/wraparound +1
1 cycling shorts and t-shirt 0
2 jeans/t-shirt 0

Points
+3
Not a bad week, I just have to forget that all the guy's I've passed have been old men!

Bum, Bum, Bum, Bum,

2008-08-05T13:16:00.004+01:00

Not much to say really too busy with work and just commuting yesterday and today,
I've given in a little more to the roadie styling...
I'll explain.

I'm a mountain biker who also rides a road bike, I wear the mountain biking shorts and tops, helmet, gloves etc.

Until now I have not worn just cycling shorts on their own, I've always worn baggies over the top for a couple of reasons

I'm a mountain biker it's what we do!
Fat legs bulging over the ends of tight shorts - no longer an issue I've got quite muscular legs now!
I'm a mountain biker it's what we do!
The Mrs mocks me for flashing the bulge, but she mocks me anyway, so what the heck

It is so much cooler (temperature wise) to have just the cycling shorts on, this means that it is not as sweaty and my saddle sore issue is no where near as bad.

So Highwaymunky cycling health tip of the day:

Keep your under carriage cool for comfy riding!

I Thank you

(thought a picture of my own ass would get me kicked off blogger!)

Idling

2008-08-04T11:38:00.003+01:00

Idling today,
Very tired,
Rode steady hardly breaking a sweat!
Don't want to & can't sleep!
Eaten far too much cake!
Fat munky!

Happy Birthday

2008-08-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

Happy birthday to my little girl,

4 today,
So big
So much fun,
We have had great times
There are great times to come,
I love that you laugh,
and boss us around,
I love that you are happy,
and play the clown,
You are a princess,
just like your cake,
The happiest birthday
This year we'll make.

Love you very much my little widgety grub

Daddy

Xxx

PG!

2008-07-31T14:55:00.000+01:00

Bored.

Surfing,

Blog Rating? mmmmm..........

This rating was determined based on the presence of the following words:
• pain (5x)
• bitches (2x)
• bastard (1x)

Really only a PG. I feel an over whelming urge to swear and curse a lot in order to up my rating.
But i'm far too mature for that.

Shit!

Should I not be R Rated?

Cock!

Is that better?

Arse!

It must be cooler than PG

Bugger!

Oh well at least I am unsuitable for children hehehe!

Click on the picture to check yours. (dont sign up for the dating thing (unless you want to click on the (No thanks, take me to my quiz results) link

Road Rage!

2008-07-31T08:00:00.001+01:00

I have stumbled across this very interesting article regarding Road Rage between cyclist and car drivers.

Bike Rage By Charles Montgomery

I'm actually quite inspired and shall be drafting a letter to my local council & MP asking for more / any cycle lanes along my route to work.

I have suffered from "the rage" I always try to make an effort to be courteous whilst i'm on the bike, well at any time to say hello to pedestrians, nod's and waves to fellow cyclists, a wave of thanks for waiting for me or wave a car driver out I think that it all can help but sometimes the red mist descends and oh dear!

A few months ago I was on my way to LBS going down a dual carriageway approaching some traffic lights.
The lights were on red and I gambled on them turning green as I approached.
They did.
I slid between the two lines of traffic and was out in front and in the middle of the lane before the 1st car had set off. I was turning right (we drive on the left) so I was in the middle of the right lane going about 20mph.

This ~~idiot~~ person (man) who was 1st at the lights, took some exception that he had to wait an additional 30 seconds to get round the corner and he was honking his horn and shouting to get out of the way & waving at me.

Being to calm considerate cyclist I am I gave him the bird and told him where to stick it!

We rounded the corner and he really gives it on with the horn!
So I slow down and ride in the middle of the now single lane road.

He's hanging out of the window shouting obscenities at me and moves up so he touches my back tyre! I loose it!

I stop, drop the bike, rip off my helmet and had every intention of beating the hell out of him

He gets out of his car realises that I am half his age, very pissed off and a hell of a lot more muscle than he has.

He gets back in the car and drives off at high speed. I jump back on the bike and hitting speeds I've only ever got on a good downhill I give chase. After about a mile my legs have had it I've burned off my adrenaline and am just a bit shaken.

My reaction was so so wrong, I should have just kept riding over to the left and he would have passed me after the junction instead I felt threatened, I had been pushed and I pushed back.

I was cheeky for slipping past him but had I been on a motorbike would he have reacted the same? Dunno?

But I do know that things got out of hand very quickly at a time when I already had loads of adrenaline going it was very easy to slip into very angry I can see how things get out of hand so easily.

Like the article says if there were better provisions for cyclists and motorists then the incidents would be so fewer.

I for one shall endeavour to be more considerate and forgiving.

Change again!

2008-07-30T13:32:00.005+01:00

(Before)

Change of layout again folks.

I quite liked the last one but it was a bit full on and the stars covered some of the text.

I like the simplistic style of this one.

I'll probably change it again next week....

Need a good biking picture for the back ground that doesn't invade the writing.

(After)

In search of that moment

2008-07-30T08:00:00.000+01:00

I have a longing,
It is for the epic,
I long for mountains,
I need to conquer,
I ache for that freedom,
Me & the mountains,
I desire to climb,
I wish to suffer,
I want to overcome what most wouldn't consider,
I will to push on, push through,
I yearn to be pitted against the elements, to bend nature to my will,
I miss the wild,
I wish to meet God on the mountain again,
I have a longing,
It is for the epic.

All dressed up and no where to go!

2008-07-29T15:09:00.003+01:00

Ipod charged,
Clothes laid out,
Bike Setup,
Alarm set,
Go to bed,
Alarm goes off,
Peel open eyes.... what's that noise?
Look out of window,
Raining......
It's only a bit of rain,
No wait...... Monsoon!
Reset alarm,
Back to bed,
Plans for 40 mile pre work ride... forgotten never mind

Stick a fork in me I'm done!

2008-07-28T15:08:00.004+01:00

So HOT!! Lunch time run would have been great if I hadn't strained by ankle again! Achilies tendon is playing up and I was so looking forward to pushing up the mileage this week. But it looks like i'll have to take it easy...... well easier.

We were like lizards running in the desert!

(isn't he cute, don't you just want to cuddle him!)

Weddings & BBQ

2008-07-28T10:35:00.002+01:00

No exercise what so ever over the weekend - except sweating in the 30°c heat and chasing the kids around.
Wedding of my good friend Mark to his beautiful bride Leanne was a great day. So pleased for them. Just wish we'd had a camera that worked for it!
Fantastic service and the reception was great fun, dancing with kids and eating far too much.

Then yesterday we had a BBQ for my mate Steve's 40th. I was on Cooking duty so I have furnished myself with a jackaroo style hat and cooked away under the hot sun in front of 2 roaring BBQ's. The food if I say so myself was cooked to perfection. I am a genius at BBQ cooking!

We had a great day. Again wish i'd got a working camera for it!

Big lunchtime run today to work off all the excess food!

New layout + Keep pounding!

2008-07-25T08:41:00.007+01:00

For your viewing pleasure the Highway Munky blog has had a face lift! This is much more how I'm feeling about it right now.

I have a series of different headers I shall be putting up as an when the mood takes me!

What do you think?

Thanks to Jill for the nudge in the right direction and thanks to thecutestblogontheblock For the background. Cheers!

Keep Pounding!

Yesterday was a strange mix of real pain and absolute pleasure.

Pain first:
The pain was a shredding of my ankles by brambles and other nasty scratchy pointy things and then being stung by stinging nettles on those exact same places! OUCH!!!

This was because of the following:

I am stupid.
I am hardcore!

Stupid because having ridden through Wickersley gorse in search of single track fun! which I found (future post) I chose a line that took me through loads of brambles and I was wearing my very comfy but not so practical cycling sandals: which give me very exposed feet and ankles! It was one of those situations where you've gone so far that you don't want to go back as you know going back will be bad and kid yourself that going forward will be easier.... it never is!

So having ridden, walked & carried my bike through nettles & bramble city I returned to near the beginning of the same track so what did I do?

Can you guess?

Yes I rode it again because good singletrack is in rare supply around my end and it was fun... I did go a slightly different route the next time which meant I had 7 miles of hills to conquer including the hill of death and pain in order to get to work but it was worth it!

So very sore ankles suffered again running through the fields at lunch time and also suffered on the way home when I got caught in a different bunch of nettles!!

To keep pounding at lunchtime has been tough this week but rewarding I've been doing sit-ups on the run and think it's helping I only have large paunch instead of an XL one!

Weddings and party's over the weekend so later Y'all

Also Don has been working really hard to loose some weight so drop him a comment of encouragement!

Tagged again... Thanks Don you git!

2008-07-24T08:49:00.003+01:00

Oh go on then....

If you could have any one — and only one — bike in the world, what would it be?
aaarrgghhh!! As a former LBS employee there are so many choices... I think it would have to be
the SantaCruz Blur LT. I've never ridden it but it looks awesome!

Do you already have that coveted dream bike? If so, is it everything you hoped it would be? If not, are you working toward getting it? If you’re not working toward getting it, why not?
No I do not have my dream bike, I'm not currently working towards it but in year or so I may try and get it through work's cycle to work scheme.

If you had to choose one — and only one — bike route to do every day for the rest of your life, what would it be, and why?
No NO NO!! one route, only one route! I do a different route every day to and from work, I could never, i'd have to vary it biking, running, running backwards, biking backwards, crawling to stop my self going mad.
But if I had to choose it would probably be a big 30 mile loop round ladybower and derwent!

What kind of sick person would force another person to ride one and only one bike ride to to do for the rest of her / his life?
It's a sick twisted world out there made all the worse for people like you Elden!!

Do you ride both road and mountain bikes? If both, which do you prefer and why? If only one or the other, why are you so narrowminded?
I do ride both... I prefer the mountain bike because I love to climb the mountains and the rough stuff!

Have you ever ridden a recumbent? If so, why? If not, describe the circumstances under which you would ride a recumbent.
No I don't need a wheelchair!

Have you ever raced a triathlon? If so, have you also ever tried strangling yourself with dental floss?
Not yet I hope to... the triathlon that is not strangle myself with dental floss.

Suppose you were forced to either give up ice cream or bicycles for the rest of your life. Which would you give up, and why?
Ice cream no problem......Have you ever tried sorbet?!

What is a question you think this questionnaire should have asked, but has not? Also, answer it.
Q: Why do you cycle?
A: Why don't you it's awesome! and i get to mountain bike with my wife is just the best thing ever!!

You’re riding your bike in the wilderness (if you’re a roadie, you’re on a road, but otherwise the surroundings are quite wilderness-like) and you see a bear. The bear sees you. What do you do?
Now being in the wilderness I'm going to suggest that I meet the bear near the top of a mountain and will therefore turn my nose downhill and out run his hairy ass on the descent.
Or go out in a flame of glory beating the bear to death with my Kona! then getting eaten by the bear's mates!

Now, tag three biking bloggers. List them below.
I don't like spam but as Don has tagged me for a 2nd time.... bastard! (i like him really!)
Marla
Judi
bikenoob

bikeless

2008-07-22T14:28:00.002+01:00

No bike today, due being very late trying to move a shed to our allotment....did not go well!
Anyway saddle sores are getting ridiculous so a day off the saddle is no bad thing really.
I'll be itching to get out by the morning though.

Hot lunch time run

2008-07-21T15:46:00.003+01:00

Phew! it's warm out there.
I know for those of you who live in the desert states of America it's not hot as you but for this little isle where is rains most of the time it is hot!

25°C or 77°F

But it's a hot 25°C,

Anyway 9km run with a 10minute break at my aunt's house (on route) for a quick drink and a chat.

I felt quite strong for most of the run, I have the usual temptation to bonk at 2miles but pushed through and managed to get to 7km without stopping (aunt's house) and then a quick glass of diet coke and off again up the hill back to the office.

I did catch myself doing what felt like jogging on the spot on the last climb, I drift off so easily when running into my own little world and then I slow down too much.

I'm varying running with or without ipod to but it makes no difference and I generally prefer to run with it.

So
9km
57mins
Av HR 154
Calories burned 890.

Mountains! Real Mountains!

2008-07-21T00:47:00.009+01:00

Me and my gorgeous wife managed to offload the kids onto her brother and fiancé for the weekend so we were all alone! WooHOO! (i love my kids but it's nice to have a break)

Saturday I did some allotment digging and we went for a short run together and then we went to the start of a 6 weeks of revival meetings at my parents church, It was awesome the move & power of God there was awesome and last night was apparently even better, can't wait until next week!

Sunday me and the missus got up late and headed out to Derwent for some proper mountain biking and we got it!

The 1st climb according to our map was a catagory 4 (I could ride but it's faster walking, honest) catagory. We climbed / walked / dragged our bikes up the west side of Whinstone Lee Tor and mostly walking as it's very rocky and you gain over 500 feet elevation in less than a mile!

But it looked like loads of fun for those flying down the opposite direction!

Once at the top the view of the climb was great and we got to ride on a flattish section for a while that was broken up with some very deep puddles and lots of drops, it was really quite technical to ride but a lot of fun (this is the view from there)
Then a short final ascent to the summit & it was so windy up there we didn't stay long, Onwards and downwards we flew down the grit and stony track, it was really quite rutted from all the rain so picking the right line was essential and got it wrong several times.

A few off's and shaken loose arms later we descended onto the road for a break for a few miles, past the gorgeous Ladybower Inn and left towards Bamford then over the dam and along the track on the south side of the resevoir. This gave me opportunity for as few more pictures.

(we were on the top of that not long ago)

We followed the track up to the far western side of the reservoir (the mouth of the river Ashop) and then cut back along the road for the last push back to the car.

(it's suddenly just got rocky and I've only got one hand)

It was great to be out riding with Amy. So much fun she's so cool she doesn't brake on the downhills! I seriously could not catch her several times!

(I've got how many chins?)

Derwent ride
Distance 14 miles (ish)

min 625ft

max1290ft

ascent1362ft

descent965ft

Rating:loads of fun

Lunch time run

2008-07-18T14:34:00.004+01:00

On the road it was 7 / 8 min mile pace.
On the road doing the same route is boring.
Off road we go, through woods, along a tiny path, no idea where we are going.
Over the bridge
Need to stop
Feeling hot
Bonk!?
No keep going.
So hot!
Up hill.
Wrong way.
Over fields.
Lost.
Directed by kind farmer wife to correct path.
Through more fields.
Nettles and thistles or 4 more miles?
Ouch Ouch Ouch!!!
Road again.
The road is safe.
Road is fast.

Exploring is much more fun though!

4.8miles run
55 mins
3.8 miles off road

Muddy!

2008-07-18T08:46:00.004+01:00

I checked out my tracks and trails along the way to work this morning and discovered 2 things!

My fitness issues of yesterday were a hang over from the epic 40 miler today my riding was awesome!
The trails are over grown and very muddy. (evidence below!)

Yes the legs are back and working, even though it was really muddy and horrid I rode strong and really enjoyed it on the way in today.

I know the tyres look bad but they shed so well that within a minute they were back to black!

Road Bike fit vs Mountain bike fit

2008-07-17T12:29:00.005+01:00

This may be just because of a exercise hang over from yesterday but I changed my plan and broke out the Kona today (because its raining and I needed to have a change)

Now I managed to zip along at high speed for miles and miles which I was thinking was down to my increased fitness and stamina... Apparently not!

Getting on the bike today it felt so weird. The handlebars are so far away and it is so slow! the 1st mile was rubbish, the 2nd mile was OK, at the 3rd mile I turn off down the "hill of death & pain"

Woo Hoo!! I love my mountain bike again!!

Back up the other side I have to remember to sit down and climb rather than the roadie standing up style (no traction)

Yes the transition from road to mountain it a bit strange but within a few miles I remember why I love them both!

In so much pain now!

2008-07-16T09:56:00.002+01:00

Got up this morning for an extra long ride instead of the planned extra long run. But I had not planned on it being quite as long as it turned out to be.

5:30 Up and dressed, wheetabix + banana and out of the door!

Mile 8: I felt good and getting warm so stripped the arms off my jacket and ate some chocolate, sweets and lucozade then off again.

Mile 17: 2nd stop for more chocolate more sweets, banana and rest of the lucozade.

Mile 24: 3rd stop at post office for chocolate

Mile 35: 4th stop at shop for much needed food and lucozade (really feeling it now)

Mile 41 Arrive at office!

I had expected this ride to be only 30 - 35 miles not the longest ride I've ever done. I am proper crashing now, eating like a horse and could fall asleep on a pin head!

The ride was great overall I really enjoyed it at times when everything just clicked together and I was zipping along with no real thought on pedalling, steering everything was running in unison and it was awesome.

After about mile 30 it started to get really hard I could tell the glycogen in my legs was gone, mile 31 - 34 were hell! It was so hard to keep going. By Mile 35 my body had shifted to burning fat and the food i'd been eating and I could pick up the pace again.

The last climb to the office is basically a 1mile gentle hill but it felt like a mountain. I know that God was looking after me this morning because the usually insanely busy road I have to gamble crossing and can take up to 20 minutes to get across was empty! Thanks Lord!

Stats:

Total miles 41.65
Avg Speed: 18.51
Calories: 2200
Time on bike: 2:15

Details of ride here:

Run fat boy run!

2008-07-15T20:00:00.000+01:00

I ran yesterday for the 1st time in nearly a week we did 6.5km plus exercises and damn it felt good.

Just a short 4 km at lunch today

I think the plan will be to do big runs Monday Wednesday Friday and short ones Tuesday & Thursday so not to knacker myself but get that fitness up fast!

Bike ride has been all road bike for the past week and I'll stick with it until Friday when it will be cleaned & put away allowing Kona to come out and play for a couple of weeks.

The Monday and Friday runs are great cause they are usually with my colleagues and half way round we do some sit ups, running up and down steps and sprints which was really hard the 1st week but felt quite good yesterday.

So big run tomorrow, Think it'll be a 10km (longest run I've ever done!)

Riding for pleasure

2008-07-15T08:06:00.006+01:00

Most of my riding is the commute to and from work so I'm always trying to get some where in a short space of time which is great in some respects because I push myself and work hard but also I don't get to just enjoy the ride.

Last night I needed to go to water my vegetables at the allotment so I jumped on the bike and gently pedalled down there (1.5miles) It was lovely. Just cycling along enjoying the warm evening breeze, no rush, no hurry just cycling along and enjoying it all.

In fact it was so nice I went a longer way home just to enjoy it for that bit longer.

Lovely.

Speaking of which the allotment is coming on great and we got stuff planted this weekend! leeks onions and celery kindly donated by one of our allotment neighbours who have taken us under their wings. It's a great little community.

Before (3 weeks ago)

After (this weekend)

Weekend Off!

2008-07-11T13:45:00.002+01:00

I have the weekend off! that may not be a big deal to most but i've worked 7 days a week for the past 2 years and can't wait!

Digging in the allotment and riding here we come!!

I feel the itch to have a really long ride I want to ride and ride and ride to get some where. Thinking the brother in laws 100 miles away sounds like a good distance to aim for! we'll see what can be arranged!

I need to do a 50 mile ride 1st to see if I can ride that far because 50 to 100 miles is nothing of a jump! Pah!!

I have a burning need to achieve something on my bike just commuting isn't enough of an achievement. True the two 25 mile rides I did this week tired me out but I was racing them, going as quick as I can. I want to go long!

I want to stretch it out so it's like paper (what ever "it" is).

stretching it out

2008-07-09T10:07:00.002+01:00

I went to bed last night having decided on a massive 36 mile route to work, I woke up this morning feeling like I'll just ride the most direct route feeling very tired, when I set off I went the wrong way and thought I'll just ride to the next village. What did I end up doing? I rode a 23mile route to work in 1:30 only stopping at 40 mins for a refuel on gel & snack bar then carried on! I just kept going past turn off options and kept going and going and going it was a great ride!

I felt very much in the zone today and I went a longer route to avoid a section of horrible slow road and in the process found hills!

Secret Commute Bike Race Club results for this morning are 0
I passed 3 riders,

Old man in work boots on MTB
Young guy on MTB
Old guys on tourer

As I was riding road bike with hairy legs and helmet I get nothing! But was not passed by anyone and it was fun to chase them down.

So tired now! falling asleep!

Lunch time run Tuesday

2008-07-08T14:11:00.002+01:00

Really wanted to go for a run but I was and still am feeling tired from this morning. But went any way just to have a quick 2 miler, it pass by nicely and I did it is 16:31 just over 8 minute miles is not too bad for a fat bloke!

But!

I've pulled my Achilles tendon again on the bike this morning! I don't do it on the MTB why do i on the RB? Seats at the same height pedalling the same but on the RB I pull my tendon but I can mash away all day on the MTB and not feel it at all!

Anyway it hurts!

Crap!

Just keep going

2008-07-08T10:41:00.002+01:00

Yesterdays run felt quite good 3.1 miles or 5km in 27 mins. I did stop for a minute at the top of the hill and was mad at my self for it as i was hoping to get a sub 25minute time. Next time!

The Commute to work today was my longer 20+miles. This was a hard ride today with a nasty head wind for the 3rd quarter of the ride it and really rough road surface but I kept going, still mad at myself for stopping on the run yesterday I needed to conquer this ride quick and I did it in 1 hour 10 minutes so not too bad considering the last time I did this ride it was in 1:25

I'm wanting to run again today but feel very sleepy having burned off all my energy this morning.

But birthday buns & cakes have just arrived in office! sugar rush here I come!

In the immortal words of the philosopher Homer: "mmm Dough Nuts"

I put on my new shoes!

2008-07-07T08:28:00.005+01:00

Hot New cycling shoes have arrived on my feet this weekend!

It was my last weekend at the LBS and they got in some cycling shoes from Nike who have apparently quit making cycling clothing and apparel so get your bargain's now!

Anyway I have some new Lance Armstrong 10 / 2 MTB shoes!

The info is:

High performance MTB shoe includes the X-change System for fully replaceable and customizable outsole lugs. Carbon Fiber Composite plate with more toe spring for maximum stiffness and power transfer

Lightweight Japanese KNG100 synthetic leather upper and straps reduce stretching and water absorption while remaining durable

Injection moulded TPU external heel counter for improved heel lock down

Dual density PE and PORON insole with added arch support, cupped heel, and perforations for breath ability

They are so light and very stiff ensuring a comfort whilst out of the saddle climbing I never knew existed! yes i know I'm showing off by they were a bargain! They are very comfy and not too bad to walk in. Although when it rains heavy like yesterday I found that they will hold quite a lot of water!

RRP: £129.99 Staff price: £13

yes that is £13!! I loved working at the LBS for things like that!

For our American cousins UK£ 13 = 25.7569 US$

Sadly the LBS is now more but I have stocked up on inner tubes and stuff to keep me & the family going for a while.

A more theological post later!

No stats for this week as I've switched to road bike since Friday for a speed of journey increase and have no cycle computer on it.

Secret Commute Bike Race Club

2008-07-05T08:00:00.000+01:00

The first rule of Secret Commute Bike Race Club is that you don't talk about it! Well OK then.

This is the food chain......

1. Scooters
2. Single speed fixed hub
3. Single Speed
4. Roadies with shaved legs - like girls
5. Roadies with hairy legs - like men
6. Touring Bikes (Mud Guards)
7. "Fast Hybrids"
8. MTBs on Skinnies
9. MTBs on Nobblies
10. Bromptons / collapsing bikes
11. MTB full sus on Nobblies
12. Shoppers
13. Shoppers wicker baskets
14. Electric bikes

Dropping / Pulling anyone higher in the food chain makes you stronger and more attractive to burds. Getting dropped / trying to keep up with anyone lower means your soul hires a kudos remover to lower your self worth.

Dropping one person above class equals +1
Being dropped by a person in below class equals -1
Dropping or being dropped by person in same class equals +/- 0

but the key is that you should show no outward signs of putting any effort in. This is the same as admitting you're racing.

Also the heirachy of clothing:

1. helmet, Lycra, little bike cap and shades
2. full Lycra/helmet/wraparound
3. messenger outfit
4. fakenger outfit
5. cycling shorts and t-shirt
6. jeans/t-shirt
7. tweed suit
8. pinstriped suit

Dropping one person above class equals +1
Being dropped by a person in below class equals -1
Dropping or being dropped by person in same class equals +/- 0

(rules referenced from bikeradar discussion)

Personally I live basically in the sticks on the edge of town and cycle through the country side to work and rarely have the chance to own another cyclist but I love it when I do.

My best score is a commute to college a few weeks ago and I was riding MTBs on Nobblies and i passed a Roadies with shaved legs - like girls & 2 Touring Bikes (Mud Guards) so a +3 score I felt like a cycling god!

Anyone got any scores from their commutes / rides?

Lunch time run

2008-07-04T13:42:00.002+01:00

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/run/united-kingdom/aston/1101516850"&amp;amp;gt;07/04/2008 lunch time run&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;br/&amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://www.mapmyrun.com/find-run/united-kingdom/aston"&amp;amp;gt;Find more Runs in Aston, United Kingdom&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

Run time: 54:24
Distance 5.59miles
Pace: 9.44 min/miles
BMI 27
Calories: 833

It is hot out there today but felt really good for most of the run and as usual by the time i was getting to the end i was into my stride and could have carried on.

p.s

I love mapmyrun.com it's awesome!

Tagged! Six random things

2008-07-04T08:42:00.003+01:00

Having been tagged by cyclingphun To join in this blog spam thing so in the interest of interest I'll join in! (mostly)

Six Random Things About Me:

1) I had ACL surgery on my left knee last year it only stopped hurting when I started running.
2) I grow my own chilli's.
3) I have only flown twice (UK to Majorca & back)
3) I love stories really good or rubbish adventure stories in books or films.
4) I can't get a tan (just go red)
5) My eyes are blue.
6) I want to cycle around the world.
7) This is my 2nd Blog. 1st was deleted due to risk of being dooced!

Here's where I'm suppose to tag 6 more people but as a former IT support person who used to spend hours every day deleting thousands of spam emails (the bain of my life for a while) I can't bring my self to pass on the spam! Sorry!

The rules:
Link to the person who tagged you. Done
Post the rules on your blog. Done
Write six random things about yourself. Done
Tag six people at the end of your post. Denied!
Let each person know they've been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog Denied!

Heavy Legs

2008-07-03T16:08:00.003+01:00

Some serious "can not be bothered" & "don't want to pedal" feelings today.

2 days off was great really enjoyed it but my legs did not want to know on the commute this morning! I went the fastest road route and it took me 10 minutes longer than usual, so slow and lazy today!

Lunch time run was good today though my legs had come to life and I ran 4.5 miles all off road in 40 mins!

I do prefer running on the road except for the sucking diesel aspect!

More life on the way home and tomorrow!

Getting there

2008-07-01T09:11:00.003+01:00

Woohoo!

My weight is down to 13.6 stone or 86.3kgs or 190.4lbs which ever way you look at it I've not been this lean for well over a year! Get in!

p.s.

Some bastard tried to run me off the road last night on my way home from work. The Idiot in a white van cut across me whilst passing me on a single country lane and shoved me into the hedge and stinging nettles! my legs are still itching!
Bastard!

No i didn't get his reg number..... unfortunately!

2 days off work now to look after the kids! Awesome, I'm so stoked about getting some time with the family and this is my last week of working 7 days a week as I'm waving the LBS good bye for weekends at home with the family! weekend riding and adventures a go go!

Weekly update

2008-06-30T14:31:00.003+01:00

Figures for since the 9th June
Distance: 434.8 km
Average speed 18.6km/h
Time: 13:19:35 Yes that's 13 hours on bike!

This week I've done 143.6 km

Running.
This week I've run
25.4km

Todays run was 5+km with the old guys broken up with sit ups, leg raises, 5m & 12m up hill sprints x3 sets, up and down steps run 15 steps x3.
Sprints were hard but I was fastest and the run was good, I got into my stride early and just kept going keeping the same pace up and down hill felt great!

Feeling good about the running at the minute, also I'm finding that my lungs are starting to hurt. Well it feels like when I first stopped smoking (10 years @ 10 - 20 a day) and I'm getting lots of horrid gunk out too! I think this maybe my lungs starting to repair them selves as I'm breathing deeper when exercising than I have before.

Not sure what my weight is at as I've been eating loads of crap (chocolate, crisps, Chinese, wine!) but i can excuse this by exercising so much.... ish.... maybe.... probably not but never mind!

More riding more running!

On the bike I love the feeling for going some where on a bike, the tarmac and dirt disappearing under my wheels, the miles being conquered, I love to go far and fight hard for it!

On my feet I love the feeling of being so close to road, feeling I've earned every step and remembering how hard it felt to start with, feeling like I could stop at any minute and used to be such a pussy and quit when i was out of breath now only stop when I get where I'm going!

it's so true

2008-06-27T15:17:00.004+01:00

Yehuda Moon Cartoon is so funny and really true to cycling and commuting cycling.

Rain yesterday, Rain this morning, Roasting sun at lunchtime, probably rain on the way home.

It's a bit strange fitness!

2008-06-27T11:56:00.001+01:00

I have discovered that I think i'm getting fitter, hills that used to kill me are being conquered with greater speed and ease.
Runs are becoming enjoyable! on Tuesday I even elected to run the 7.65km home following a 3 km run at lunch!

Which was hard as I usually ride it and this is the shortest most direct route home.

Running is so different from cycling and this is the furthest I have run in one go for ages (read a decade!)

Yup the fitness is coming on the fat is slowly disappearing, it would be quicker but I'm naughty and enjoy the buns and sausage rolls we have in the office!

Think a big ride challenge is due soon 40 miler early on morning next week maybe.

Where are you all from?

2008-06-26T13:00:00.004+01:00

I currently get about 15 - 20 hits per day on this blog. Which is really cool but I looking where you all come from is great!

I use Google analytic's and heres the map!

Country/Territory		Visits past 4 weeks
1.	United States	216
2.	United Kingdom	136
3.	Canada	20
4.	Australia	6
5.	Norway	4
6.	Czech Republic	3
7.	France	3
8.	Netherlands	2
9.	Spain	2
10.	Romania	2

If you have time post me a comment saying where you're from to help work out who is from where. (nothing sinister just curious I don't want your post code or anything)

These figures are encouraging, as it means being in the UK it's not just me refreshing the page to check for comments that accounts for the hits.

Cheers.

Riding & growing

2008-06-23T08:26:00.005+01:00

Figures for since the 9^th June

Distance: 291.18km

Average speed 18.7km/h

Time: 5:30:45

Riding this week has been pretty good and I’ve enjoyed most of it with the exception of binning it on the way to college on Wednesday on the slimy railway sleepers some genius decided to use as part of the cycle path! It was raining + wood = slime which means front wheel disappears under cornering. I smashed my knee & head. Head is ok (no sense, no pain) my knee really hurt and still does (just bruised though) and I’ve got a really good handle bar end shaped bruise on my hip!

Also fell off this morning but onto nice soft grass and I wasn’t going that quick. I was finding a new way to work. Lots of fun & fields.

We have also acquired an allotment for growing vegetables. It needs some clearing but in a few weeks should look great and we’ll get the beds made and everything ready for winter crops and planting next season. Hopefully we shouldn’t have to buy any vegetables next year!

Under starter's orders:

2008-06-20T15:30:00.002+01:00

The commute this morning was the most fun one I’ve had in ages!

I just pulled onto the traffic free cycle / walking path that’s about 2 miles long and cuts out a lot of road travel on my commute and I spotted a fellow cyclist in front of me.

The rabbit had been spotted!

So I ramp up the rev’s and am quickly off in pursuit. Mr Raleigh as I shall call him (due to his classic white / blue Raleigh MTB) was completely unaware I was bearing down on him as he was going along at a steady enjoying you ride to work pace.

Ears pinned back I rode past him (not looking too shagged) with a chirpy “Morning”

Now I don’t know whether it was the greyhound syndrome or the fact he took exception to being passed or what it was but he was having none of it.

I was feeling quite smug with myself having passed a cyclist “scratch one for me”….

“Morning” He says as he passes me…….

Slightly dumbfounded for a second then I catch the scent of it…… RACE!!!

Up a gear, up the revs, out of the saddle…. I’m gone!

I quickly catch up with him and we look each other in the eye……

He is a 45 – 50 year old gentleman easily 6’5” tall slender build riding with ease a bike he’s probably had for 15 years, dressed in casual shorts, t-shirt, no helmet, trainers & flat pedals.

I am 27, only just 5’11” stocky build, daily commuter dressed in baggie’s, MTB jersey, Oakley’s, Helmet, cycling shoes & clip less pedals, 5 kg rucksack.

Long seconds pass….

“Come on then!” He says and accelerates away cutting across my path.

The next few hundred metres were me hanging on his wheel every move to pass was countered he was quick and obviously has the experienced cyclist sense of something approaching you from behind.

We reach the 1^st set of barrier boulders, he slips through ahead of me, I’m on his wheel looking for an opening…

I lower my body and sit directly behind him, forcing him to pull me along, just as we approach the tunnel the path widens and I make my move,

Fainting to the left, he counters and then I accelerate to the right and we are side by side, the path starts to narrow and I’m being forced to the edge and in danger of hanging to concede position to remain upright

But the edge ramps up and I use these ramps every day to practice jumps and drops on I love this ramps. I have front suspension and plenty of horses left.

I aim away from the path and accelerate up the ramp on to the table top, pedalling at 110% of my max to keep the speed and then compress…. Lifts… lean back…. I’m airborne for 3 / 4 feet and land just in front of him, accelerating away…

I have the lead now and I’m not concerned about defence I just put the foot down, up out of the saddle, legs screaming but I know this pain. I love this pain I have been suffering like this for months getting to the stage where I can do this.

System of a down on the ipod. Perfect!

I don’t see him again.

At the end of the path I stop to look where he is and he comes pedalling past me with a smile.

"Later, Mate”

We go in opposite directions.

That was fun.

Big K! & Broken Bits

2008-06-17T07:53:00.003+01:00

Last week I got a nice fancy wireless computer for the mountain bike and stuck with Kona all week. here's the figure:

Total distance: 154.45km
Avg Speed: 18.9km/ph
Total Time: 8:21:12

For our American cousins

Total distance: 95.3miles
Avg Speed: 11.7mph
Total Time: 8:21:12

Not too bad to say I was doing the same route to and from work with 70% off road each journey.

Mechanical Issues:

Noticed a bit of a bend in the rear mech, not too worried as it still worked fine but then I had to take the wheel off to cram the bike in the boot of our small family car and then I couldn't get the back wheel on again.

Dismantled the rear of the bike to find the mech hanger is the thing that is bent! So a bit of gentle encouragement back to normal (using my really big wrench) and it bend back to shape and just as it reached the perfect position it..... [can you guess??]

It snapped! Bastard!!

Really flimsy piece of material not even metal all the way through!

It has not been replaced with something made from solid steel, Good old solid iron working!! It weighs twice as much but looks and feels like something built to last...... it will need to be with the thrashing my fat ass will give it!

During this process I noticed my cassette seemed to have build up of grass and stuff around the smaller rings, so being the diligent bike fettler I am I set about giving it a good clean.....

OMG!

Massive fields of hay! Dirt!, Stones! Sand! Mud! All sorts! There was an entire agricultural industry living in my rear cassette.

It looks very shiny and new now.

Pleased to report all gears working correctly now.

In pursuit of pain.

2008-06-16T10:11:00.002+01:00

Cyclists are a weird bunch, or maybe it’s just me? We choose to spend our time pushing our selves hard on the bike to go as far and fast as we can.

I have a route that is perfectly enjoyable to do at a nice steady pace but I choose to attack it most days, to go as fast as I can for as long as I can until either I reach the end or I collapse in a exhausted heap, legs screaming with acid, my lungs unable to meet the demands of my body, heart jumping out of my chest, seeing spots and just on the verge of passing out…. Ahh the joy!

Yes that’s right I like it. In fact I love it. I want to do it more!

Mud & Excellence

2008-06-10T09:25:00.003+01:00

Good commuting route!

I've decided to start going a different way to and from work, it's 70% off road and has a wicked piece of single track on it, It's demanding from a skills point of view and being off road is more demanding fitness wise too.

I managed to bin it this morning over a 1foot tyre groove in the mud, dumping myself straight into a muddy puddle! Wet muddy bum on the way to work today. But loads of fun doing it!

I'm still bottling it on some things but much more confident on the drop off's and really loving the feel and ride of my bike right now.
Sram gears are definitly better for my riding style than the shimano's
Panaracer fire XC pro tyres grip really well.
I love my Kona.

HM

The Grey Hound Syndrome.

2008-06-09T13:52:00.001+01:00

What is it about cyclists?

Why do we have to do it?

Are we all ultra competitive, and this is why we ride bikes to engage in impromptu races?

When you come round a corner or turn at a junction and spot a fellow cyclist in front what do we do?

Now don’t lie you do it too!

We turn from a happy cyclist to a mad eyed, prize winning, grey hound seeking that rabbit on rails with every sinew of our being.

We must catch them!!

Concern for whether they are on a fast bike than us (mountain vs road on tarmac is usually a given) is irrelevant & extra points are awarded for passing a roadie whilst riding a MTB.

Ears are pinned back, the legs build up to racing pace…. Must… catch… cyclist …..

Now this could be over in 30 seconds if the cyclist in front is old father time on his shopping trip basket, flat cap & all!

Or it could be the race of your life.

You either catch them or you don’t. If you don’t you be ashamed of your self and you definitely need to ride more. I always catch the “rabbit”.

(Read: I got owned by a roadie every day for 3 weeks last year!)

The thing is the “rabbit” cyclist usually has no idea that they are in fact the “rabbit” so they carry on at their happy pace until you catch them and pass them.

This brings up two new issues.

You must not pass the “rabbit” breathing out of your arse, exhausted & half hanging off the bike otherwise they’ll pass you within seconds. Laughing at you! (you have your bike taken away and crushed for such shameful behaviour) So you need hang on their back wheel for a bit to get your breath back then pass them. I just fly past them at full speed because compared to me Lance Armstrong is a sissy

The transition from “rabbit” to “greyhound”.

If you have just passed the “rabbit” you are now it! They, because they are a cyclist will probably give chase! So you really need to keep it going for as long as possible until you are breathing out of your arse, exhausted & half hanging off the bike. Anything less is not permitted and we will find out!

This morning I went for a longer cross country ride & explore of my local area. I forgot to fill up my water bottle before I left so by the time I hit the tarmac on the way to the office I was shagged!

This did not stop me beasting myself whilst chasing a guy who passed me on his road bike. I did catch, draft and over take him. Him on the footpath and me on the grass verge pedalling like the clappers grinning as we raced each other to the bottom of the hill.

We raced I was forced to concede due to the lamp post in my way & not wanting to force him onto the road.

I’m a pussy I know!

Saved by a cyclist.

2008-06-06T06:52:00.002+01:00

Had to get into work early today. I was up for half the night suffering from hay fever and eventually transplanted myself to the sofa so my wife could get some sleep.

So I set off 05:10 to have a nice 30 minute ride to work followed by shower and at my desk by 06:00.... It was not to be. After 3 miles the back end of the bike went all rubbery and loose on me nearly binning me into the middle of a roundabout. ..... Flat!

Oh well 'ce la ve' Kit out and change the tube.

Tube changed off we go.

100 yards later, back end of bike all rubbery again..... another flat!!

Now at this point I need to relay where I am coming from. I work at my local bike shop and claim to know about cycling. I cycle to work and back basically every day & also do it for fun. I have a garage full of spares and bit & bob's and loads of puncture repair kits and repair stich on patches.

None of which I had with me..... IDIOT!

So I now have to ride home with a flat back tyre probably wrecking my rim in the process. Swop bikes and pedal like a maniac to get to the office in time. Gutted.

But wait, what is this? coming over the brow of the hill is a fellow cyclist,

He looks,

He waves,

"You alright mate?" He asks.

"have you got a repair kit I could borrow?" I beg

"No, But I've got a spare tube you can have!"

"Legend!"

God bless that man, with many miles of happy puncture free riding. You've got to love the generosity of people some times. I certainly do this morning I was only 20 min's later than planned into work rather than hours.

Riding rough

2008-06-05T08:40:00.003+01:00

The delight that is hay fever has hit me hard the last few days and I feel rubbish. So tired but staying up really late pottering around doing stuff.

Commute to work and back this week has been steady nothing really exciting sticking with the road bike as feeling so rough it is easier / faster to commute on.

I was planning on doing a long 30+miler this morning but got up far too late to even think about it.

Got to start going to bed earlier.

Insightful post still in progress.

M.

Whats going on.

2008-06-03T09:17:00.007+01:00

Sorry to all of you who come to glance at this blog to see if i've been arsed to write anything new and left unfulfilled I apologize. I have been away with the family last week.
What's been going on:

1. Twin six Fat Cyclist jersey has arrived (already posted this but it's so exciting it's easily worth 2 posts.

Me in Jersey:

Oh, you want to see a bit more..... ok then.

More... you cheeky devil.... ok then!

Ok it's not a great pic but the jersey looks and fits great and love wearing it.

Oh. Got a bew bottom bracket for kona.

Old bottom bracket.

New bottom bracket - Gold.... very "pimptastic"

New BB on Kona. It looks the business no?

Riding. I managed to do a 30+mile ride on Saturday morning in 1 hour 50mins! Really stoked. I've got to keep working at that and am aiming to get it down to 1 hour 20mins.

A more incite fully thought provoking, theologically cycling related post (read random pile of rubbish) later.

It finally arrived! So excited!

2008-05-31T08:57:00.002+01:00

I am on holiday at the moment and have been all week hence no posts:

Updates:
Driving through the beautiful Hamsterley forest near Durham I hit a deer! I nearly soiled myself and the kids thought it was strange that there was a deer on the bonnet of the car. The deer fortunately got up and ran away. unbelievable.... but true.

It has finally arrived! My fat cyclist jersey is here! I'm wearing it right now! the postman dropped it off 5 mins ago. (hence the blog post!) It looks great. The fit is perfect. Cheers Fatty & TwinSix! I'll post a photo later (when I've had time to clean my self up and do some sit ups... so vain)

I've just done a 30 miles in under 2 hours on Pinni. However the cranks started to work them selves loose of the bottom bracket meaning my big chain ring was useless after 20 miles. Fortunately got it home before the cranks fell off or seized!

Done lots of gardening, got sun tan, loved being with family. Very happy.

Later y'all

Munky.

Commuting & Gear

2008-05-23T10:10:00.004+01:00

I have had some clothing and equipment that I have used, abused and replaced over the past 12+months commuting / cycling and thought I should do some gear reviews.

SixSixOne – Gloves.

Image:

I was ragging my fingers to pieces using the cheap fingerless gloves during my off-road commute and. The brambles love me! So full finger gloves were recommended to my by the guys at the LBS so I went for the ones that matched my bike. (Pimp I know!)

The have been very comfy, I’ve used them for hundreds of miles and hundreds of days. They have no padding but give an excellent feel of the grips and brakes, they are well vented when opening up your fingers whilst riding but thick enough to handle all but the coldest days. (I am quite warm blooded though)

They have eventually given up when I put my finger through them last week. With these equally pimp gloves:

Excellent gloves 9/10

*Note I have cut the fingers off the old ones and now using them as road gloves – waste not want not*

_____________________________________

Shimano XT shifters & long cage derailleur

These were the stock items that came with the bike. I’ve just swapped them out for SRAM X-9 shifters and medium cage.

I have done thousands of miles with this XT set and they have been really good. They are light and efficient and over the course of 18 months the only problems I have had have been relating to sticky / stiff cables.

The triggers are responsive and there is the defined click down and clunk up when changing.

The derailleur is smooth in its action and quick when changing up. I have had a few problems with the length of the cage clipping rocks hence why I’ve gone for the medium cage.

Great gears: 8/10

Death By Cyclist!

2008-05-22T09:17:00.006+01:00

On my way to college yesterday along the lovely tow path, I took quite a few pics yesterday it really was nice.

Just as i was ducking under one of the bridges a fellow cyclist was coming the opposite direction, we were both travelling at some speed!

Situation lays out thus:
2 cyclists travelling towards each other.
Pathway 3 feet wide
Head room at bridge side 2 feet
Edge of pathway is at water level

Basically there was no way we would pass each other without one of us going in the drink!

I anchored up and chose to ditch into the wall, snapping the shoulder strap on my lovely animal messenger bag in the process but this probably saved my shoulder.

He came to a screeching halt up on his front wheel (good disc brakes) and then came to rest with a wobble an inch away from me.

We both looked at each other for a moment and then I smiled and thankfully so did he.

"That was close" we both agreed.

We shuffled past each other and were on our way.

I have been thinking how cold must that canal be, but never got as close as that to finding out before.

So with my damaged bag & injured ankle (which is killing today - a pulled Achilles tendon I think) I limbed off to college. Pinni was in one piece so no really harm done.

This of course left me with the situation on needing a bag for the day. Now I've been eyeing up new bags for commuting for a while but now I needed one so off to Decathlon I went for a 25 litre bag that has hydration pouch and sufficient repair kit storage.

Used it today and very happy with the fit and capacity. So if you need a commuting ruck sack that's tough, Camelbak style but at 1/3 of the price go for this.

Going hard, having fun

2008-05-20T09:39:00.008+01:00

(Note from Munky: Dropped below the 14 stone mark yesterday so i'm changing the banner to get rid of the fat!)

Yesterday was all about the pain!
My ride to work was a training ride, these for me are 20+ mile rides on the road bike 'Pinni' as quickly as possible. Yesterday was 22 miles lovely cold country lanes through hamlets and villages (no photo's too busy pedalling)

22miles in 80 minutes which averages out at 18mph. So I'm quite happy with that performance. I felt strong for the first 15miles then felt in serious danger of bonking! But i kept drinking and eating a bit and kept up the rev's all the way to the end.

I'm trying to block out the pain of my legs and push through it to get to that stage of fitness where i can ignore the pain and just keep going. Any suggestions appreciated.

Today's ride was an early one but almost all off road and loads of fun. I dropped the air pressure in my RockShok Tora 318 forks which greatly improved the comfort and speed of descents. I've been running them far too stiff.
I really want to get proper fit, just to be strong enough to conquer hills and rides with out dying at the end and to maybe race?

But for today i'll enjoy the quiet fields and tracks of my commute.

Got Mine!

2008-05-19T21:55:00.004+01:00

New Fat Cyclist jersey is on it's way from the USA to good old blighty!! Can't wait!!!
The pink ones sold out in 8 minutes. Such is the popularity of Eldens blog and his cool design shirts.
Plus the added feel good bonus of helping him and Susan out add's a real god kicker to the deal.

Check it out: They are available from Twin Six

The Affair

2008-05-19T11:07:00.006+01:00

She was new and interesting and I guess I couldn't help myself.

It didn't start out to be something, I never intended it to go so far but it did.

I didn't even realising it was happening until it was too late.

I have been having an affair.

I have been cheating on my lovely faithful mountain bike Kona with a road bike..... and now I've been caught!

I have been trying to convince myself I'm just a cyclist, what type of bike i ride doesn't matter.

This is a lie!

I am a mountain biker, Kona bless her cotton socks (if she had socks)

Gently took me to one side and showed me that I'd been ignoring her.

I'd kept her on the road and away from what she loves.

I'd kept her on the tarmac and away from the mud.

I was wrong.

She has taken me out and reminded me of my 1st love, she said I know what you've been doing and you are a fool.

She showed me that joy of the trails, switchbacks, woods, tracks, brambles.

Reminded me of my true cycling joy.

Reminded me why.

DOWN HILL OVER BIG ROCKS AND THROUGH MUD!!!

That is why!

She looks good in mud too!

Well they have decided to share me. Pinni (the road bike) shall be used for training and the commutes to college (if she got stolen i'd be sad, but if Kona was stolen i'd probably die..... death by wife!)

Kona shall be used 4 out of the 7 days in the week and we shall ride to the mud, dirt, rocks and be forever happy.

Ouch!

2008-05-16T15:48:00.002+01:00

I seem to be suffering from a cycling related friction injury. (the ass one not the road rash one)
Having tried all my different shorts and both bikes I think that the problem in the saddle on Pinni and my Endura cycling shorts. Today I have been wearing my Endura cycling shorts and riding Pinni which has lead me to this conclusion.

Ouch!

Am currently trying the recommended mix of petroleum jelly & Germaline to numb, heal and lubricate my ass from the saddle sores.

Still hurts now from 8 hours ago & I've got to go home now.

Have a good weekend Y'all!

Tow Path Trundle

2008-05-15T14:40:00.007+01:00

(Note from Munky: I've done 5 posts today as I've had the time and been meaning to post these for the past few days. Enjoy)

College day yesterday, So the plan was to ride down to the train station, get the train through the Sheffield and then ride to college & the reverse for on the way home.

I thought if I get to the train station nice and early then it won’t be too busy and I’ll have no problems with the bike.

I arrived at the station and the next train going my way was in 45 minutes time! So I thought I’ll ride along the canal towpath and get the tram of train further down the line.

I arrived at college in exactly 45 minutes! Home to college 1 hour at a steady pace Awesome! I’ll do that again.

The towpath was a great ride, it’s 97% flat track I had no problems riding it on Pinni so long as I looked where I was going and avoided the big rocks. It was lovely to ride so far without worrying about traffic, junctions etc. Just to amble along at a nice pace saying hello to the fellow cyclists & fishermen early in the morning.

This is a great ride and I will definitely be doing it again next week

Photo's are not the best (camera phone)

Cycling only!

2008-05-15T14:38:00.001+01:00

This is a concept for getting round only by bike…. Don’t know where it’s going or how it will work but Cycling only! is the aim…… I think.

It’s just an idea for life style change.

Is it possible to live with out car in western society? Yes

Is it possible to do so in England? Yes

I can do most of my own journeys by bike now, Commutes to work and back and the occasional trip to the shops.

It’s not practical to get rid of the family car, for holiday’s visits to see friends and family etc.

But the push is to make myself where ever possible Cycling only!

How Cycling only! Can you be?

When the world stops turning (mechanicals so far from home)

2008-05-15T14:35:00.006+01:00

Tuesday morning

6am …. Alarm goes off.

6:15am ….. Man slips out of house for early morning ride

6:45am ….. Man has done 15 miles and heading home to allow wife to go for ride

6:50 am ….. Man enters “Straight Mile Lane” (Note* this lane has no footpaths and is used by all car drivers to see how fast they can go)

6:51am …..Cranks stop turning.

6:52am ….. Man inspects cranks can’t see (with uneducated eyes) what is wrong

6:55am ….. Man realises that no amount of shouting, swearing verbal abuse aimed at the bike will resolve the issue of the cranks not turning & having no tools to fix the problem, the problem that man hasn’t even worked out yet

6:56am ….. Man realises he has left his Mobile (cell) phone at home and can not call wife for rescue

6:57am….. Man realises that no amount of shouting, swearing verbal abuse aimed at the bike will resolve the issue of not having phone.

6:58am….. Man starts 5 mile walk home up hill in cycling shoes.

7:30am….. Man still walking, making peace with the Lord as he is sure that a car will take him out any time.

7:50am….. Man arrives at a flat section so uses road bike as a push a long scooter.

8:15am….. Man arrives home sore footed & blisted.

8:16am….. Bike nearly becomes scrap metal

Some time later

9:33am…. Man + Bike + small girl arrive at LBS

9:34am…. Man explains to mechanic friend issue

9:35am….. Mechanic explains solution

Some time later

10:00am…. Man fixes bike following method described by mechanic.

Man ponders of all the times on that ride for this problem to happen why oh why did it have to happen at the bottom of the most dangerous road to walk up?

Because of the law of Sod!

Sods Law clearly states that when it's your turn it's really your turn!

Biggest Ride ever

2008-05-15T14:33:00.001+01:00

This was the longest ride I’ve ever done. I’ve been planning it for ages for a couple of reasons.

I get to go and see my brother who I don’t see nearly as often as I would like.
It’s a good excuse for a really long ride.
34 miles of country lanes on a glorious sunny afternoon… Awesome!

Wednesday lunch time I packed the kids and wife off out, got my kit on, checked Pinni over slapped some sun cream on and was off! The weather is the best we have had all year, roasting hot, light winds it was perfect for a good long ride.

I set off and felt really good, IPOD on shuffle and the miles easily passing by. I could have gone a more direct route but I wanted to stay on the country lanes and away from heavy traffic as much as possible. After about 10 miles just when I wanted to check the best way to go from this tiny village in the middle of no where I realised that I had forgotten my maps… Bugger….. Also lost my phone earlier in the week so had to borrow the wife’s which only had minimal power left so no Google maps from the mobile….. Bugger…… Bugger……

So following a short pause for thought (read breather in the shade) I decided that so long as I kept heading south and basically stayed near the motorway I should get there eventually.

There was a strange transition during this journey I wasn’t racing to get there, I wasn’t trying to beat a previously set time or anything time related I was just going for a long ride enjoying myself.

The North Nottinghamshire country side is gorgeous at this time of year everything growing like made,

By the time I’d made it to Bolsover I am getting pretty hot and worried about getting burnt so a quick pit stop at the chemist for sun cream and I was back on the road, covered in what can only be described at a magnet for dirt and flies!

By the time I actually arrived at said brothers house I was filthy, disgusting sweaty, wearing an interesting assortment of flies, hot, knackered and grinning!

Total distance 34miles

Total Time 3:01 hours.

Baking the mule

2008-05-15T14:29:00.003+01:00

Note from Munky: (I’ve decided to name my bikes, I have Kona – Kona Kula MTB & Pinni – Pinarrelo Road Bike) It’s tragic I know… sorry.

During the weeks holiday I spent quite a bit of time out riding Kona with the kids in the child seat. On the Tuesday I dropped the Little lady off at school, ran home carrying the little man to get the bike and then we pedalled our way to his swimming lesson in the next village 5 miles away and pedalled back. It was:

Great, to go so far with him and talk about everything we were seeing.

Scary, there was so much traffic so we stayed on the pavement the whole time.

Hard work, so much extra weight on the bike is tough up hill.

Painful, it was the hottest day of the year so far and I didn’t have time to get any sun tan lotion on myself by the time we had picked up the little lady from school and walked home I was cooked like a Sunday roast!

Unfair, He got to have a sleep on the way there whilst I was pedalling away!

Also took the little lady to school on the bike which she loved!

I love taking the kids on the bike and they enjoy it too. It’s great to share something with them that I love and it’s a good family fun event.

Win Susan!

2008-05-12T13:05:00.003+01:00

As a regular reader of Elden's Fat Cyclist blog I have been touched and really saddened by the news that his wife Susan is terminally ill with cancer and baring a miracle (which I'm praying for) she only has a few months to live.

Support can be given through this link http://www.kennysphoto.com/susan.html

Elden's blog is really funny, open honest and even though I have never met him or his wife I am sad for them and really hope and pray that Susan gets better.

Munky.

The amazing incident of the exploding tyre

2008-05-12T08:37:00.003+01:00

Had a great Holiday got in some quality riding with the kids including all day yesterday at Hamsterley forest - Durham and a good long ride to see my brother and his wife.

But to the matter in hand. At the moment my son loves to help me fix things especially bikes! Having kids is cool!

He was helping me to change the tyre on a project bike (a commuting bike to eventually be sold / given away) The tyres we were putting on said that you can inflate up to 85psi but i thought 60 would do fine. So we pumped up the tyre together and then as I was holding it between my legs the inner tube exploded! Ripping the side wall of the tyre and deafening us both.

I was stunned at first, then began to realise what happened and checked my legs (wearing shorts at the time) and my gentleman's area to ensure there was no damage.... All OK.

It was so loud! It must be like being hit by a flash bang grenade! needless to say the little man nearly jumped out of his skin and we sat there ears ringing for a good 5 minutes.

Now every time he sees an inner tube lying around he starts chattering "Loud! Scared! Don't like it"

But didn't stop him hitting the tyre with a hammer!

Holiday

2008-05-06T21:57:00.002+01:00

Having a week off work and blogging, to get some quality family time. Loads to write up future posts will include.

The amazing incident of the exploding tyre
Baking the mule
Biggest Ride ever
When the world stops turning (mechanicals so far from home)
Cycling only!

Later.
Munky.

Why the bike is better than the car. A theological debate

2008-05-02T07:53:00.008+01:00

Update on training progress: Totalled 28 miles yesterday! This is the most I have ridden in a day yet! I felt good this morning getting back on the bike and a steady 8.5 miles route into work was easy and I could feel that I'd gone at it hard yesterday but also I can feel the strength coming back into my legs. Quite pleased with the Total mileage for April at 340! Will definitely be aiming to be beat that in May. I'm off to a good start with 36.5 miles done so far.

To the matter in hand. Yesterday I rode the 13 miles from office to my mothers house. This ride takes me through the town centre out through one of the main roads to the outlying villages.
the 5 miles from the office to the town centre is my usual preferred country roads lined with fields and trees on each side. Then up through town, dodging buses and students galore. By the time I'd reached the LBS I was well into my ride and feeling good, the traffic was building up and In order to make progress and not get killed I was having to switch from road to pavement and back. At the LBS I passed a police car and he did not pass me again until 3 miles (up hill) later up the road. Proof that it can be quicker to ride than drive in towns.

So through traffic bike is faster than car!

My wife doing the journey from home to Mum's house (same distance as my journey) took 20 minutes longer than my bike ride.
Again Proof that it can be quicker to ride than drive.

Bike is faster than car again.

The majority of drivers looked frustrated and annoyed at the traffic situation and the a cyclist flying past them grinning probably doesn't help their mood either.

I am happier on my bike than they were in their cars = Bike is better than car.

I arrive relaxed and fitter than when I left. They arrive stressed and probably fatter than when they left.

I am fitter on my bike than they were in their cars = Bike is better than car.

Now this could say something about the state of the traffic management in my town, or the high congestion levels. The endorphins level released by cycling and the general benefits of exercise.

But no all it proves is that I rock on my bike and I am faster than cars!! Get IN!!

Ride or commute?

2008-05-01T08:36:00.006+01:00

Is there a difference between a ride and a commute when you are going from home to work or the reverse?

I think there can be. I'd classify a commute as the following:

Follow the most commonly ridden route between start point and destination
Takes the average amount time for your normal commute (25 - 30Min's for me)
No unnecessary planning required

A Ride therefore is breaks out of these norms and is usually more fun.

I have been trying to turn more of my commutes into rides in order to get fitter, bring up the off road skill level, get some more miles in and because I love being on the bike!

The early morning rides are certainly getting better, I'm feeling fitter so am quicker, The weather is warmer so it's more comfortable riding. (I only had cold toes at the end of the ride today) The spring time scenery is gorgeous, new lambs and everything!

If you commute to work and back it is just another commute and when you commute by bicycle it can get quite draining to do the same route every day over and over again. In a car often people switch off and it doesn't register that they have done the journey. We don't have that luxury on a bike.

How to turn your commutes into rides!

Go Faster! - Try and beat you best time to work or home (home usually has a better incentive to go faster)
Go further! - Check out MapMyRide or GoogleMaps for alternative routes to and from work. Get a few in your head or printed out and then mix and match! I've been commuting for about a year and I have a dozen or so routes to and from work to choose usually 5 - 20 miles.
Go off road - This is dependant upon location (city guys may struggle with this) Off road provides new challenges routes.
Go with friends, Try and get someone else who you work with to ride and meet up with them for an early morning ride / post work ride.
Go light weight - Take all the stuff you need for work in on a Monday and then you ride with *no bag* etc.. .. all week and bring it home Friday.

*No Bag*

This is the best thing about the Go light weight approach because if I don't have a bag on my back so I instantly feel like I'm just going for a ride and not a commute. Plus if it's windy you don't have a great huge bloody sail on your back slowing you down / dragging you into the middle of the road.

Less commutes & more rides = more enjoyably cycling experience.

Time on Bike: 64mins
Mileage this morning:15
Mileage Total for April: 340
Mileage total for May:15

TPT

2008-04-29T10:51:00.006+01:00

I took in some of the Trans-Pennine-Trail (TPT)on the way to work today. For those that don't know the TPT is a cycle route from the east coast of England to the west coast. It just happens to go straight past my village and I go on it every day on the way to work but I'd never tried this section as it goes the wrong way but in the interest of scouting it out for my good lady wife to ride I thought I'd have a look.

It's a pretty cool ride down there, Gorgeous scenery it is basically nice fast track (you could fit a car down it but it's not open for vehicle access)

Training:
My heart rate monitor is now telling me that my optimum fat burning zone is between 111 and 141 bpm which is basically just dawdling pace for me, but the change of pace is good with my taking it steady week and I've really been enjoying the scenery of my rides.

Triathlon:
Due to work commitments I'm not going to be able to do the planned Triathlon at the end of May but I am still aiming to do one by the end of the summer so I'm going to keep up with the training, contact the local Tri club (sheffield) and get involved a bit.

Time on Bike: 90mins
Mileage past 24 hours:16
Mileage Total for April: 332

Left Hook!

2008-04-28T15:51:00.002+01:00

Oh My GOD!! I forgot I nearly got left hooked yesterday (right hook for those who ride on the right we ride on the left in the UK) I was pumping away at the pedals going up a mile long up hill dual carriageway when a woman in a generic hatchback pulled up along side me indicating and to turn left into the approaching side road, I just kept pedalling as I'd got into a good rhythm and I didn't really register what she was wanting to do until she started to move over, pushing me further and further towards to pavement, only when her rear side door touched my handle bars and I'd got about an inch from the kerb did I banged on her window and shout "Oi! move over!" She do the following:

Crap her self!
Steer wildly back out into the other lane
Stare at me like I'd just magically appeared on the road!
Receive a good sound piece of motoring advice from myself.

"Pay attention!!"

She then seemed incapable to working out how she was going to get up this road having now missed the turn and for a second I could have sworn she was going to stop and reverse back..... but thankfully Bill & Bob her 2 remaining two brain cells, kicked into life and directed her away to a turning point.

I then kindly waved (full hand.... not the finger *that's what you were thinking*) and she just stared blankly at me and waved back.

I'm pretty sure I would have just bailed onto the pavement and got away with road rash, but it was pretty darn close.

Steady Away,

2008-04-28T15:18:00.000+01:00

Legs are beat! I’ve been riding hard for the past 3 weeks, thrashing myself every ride to go as fast as possible for as long as possible so this week is going to be a steady week. I’m not having a week off, because I can’t but I am going to take it steady on the rides and I’ve found from yesterdays trip home from the bike shop and today’s commute to work I only add 5 min’s on to the journey time and I have really enjoyed the rides I have to keep my self reigned in as it is far too easy to start building up to racing speed again but I need to have a gentle week and then I’m sure next week (when I’m mostly off work will be awesome!

Bike Time over weekend:

Time on bike:155 Min’s

Mileage over weekend:35

Total mileage fro April: 306

Spring

2008-04-25T09:57:00.005+01:00

Spring seems to have finally made a grand entrance, Yes Summers little sister seems to have finally got out of bed, gotten herself dressed and made up to grace us with her presence.

"My lady Spring, you are most welcome"

My rides this week have been lovely and cool in the mornings (Buff under helmet for the 1st half hour sort of temperature); but the rides home have been glorious, just jersey / vest & gillet weather!

Other than the benefits of not being dressed like an Arctic explorer on the bike every day, you know what Springs arrival means don't you??

Dry trails, my friend, dry trails!

Even as i write my off road tracks between the homestead and office will be drying out, they will soon be solid and dusty, Oh dust! how i long for the trail of dust blasting from my rear wheel as I descend the Hill of death and pain, and Horse shoe hill!

No longer will I have to wash my bike and body free of mud after every ride, the Horses will no longer churn up my trails into unrideable mush! Dry fast dusty trails are on their way.

GET IN!!

Gone will be the bogs, rivers of mud and general hard slog of winter, bring on the sunshine!

Welcome back Spring, I've missed you!

Bike Training:
Time on bike:110Min's
Knee comfort during & after 7/10 (1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)
Weight: 14.1stone
Mileage past 24 hours: 22
Mileage so far this month: 271

Running Training
Time on the road:34 Min's
Knee comfort during & after 5/10
Mileage:3

Cycling....

2008-04-24T09:46:00.001+01:00

Cycling blogs seem to be everywhere (on the internet…. Well within the blogosphere) they are so varied, interesting and well written and all seem to be equally passionate about this hobby called cycling….

Yes I used the word “hobby” this word when related to my cycling life makes me want to sit up and break something screaming “It’s not a Hobby”! But if cycling is not a hobby what is it. I gave this some deep thought, a second or two later I decided that cycling is a disease!

Hobbies are making model airplanes, collecting stamps building ships in bottles etc.

Cycling becomes all consuming and breaks you down and changes you.

It starts with a ‘sniffle’ I think I’ll cycle to work occasionally save some money on fuel and get a bit fitter maybe loose a but of weight.

So you dig out an old bike and jump on pedalling happily to work, wearing loads of layers because it’s cold outside thinking you will be fine and arrive a hot sweaty, sore ass’ed mess. But happy that you have done it.

Here is when the headaches and runny nose kick in……You see that cycling is clever it has seen this before once you’ve done a few rides 1-2 weeks maybe just past the point where you ass has got used to the saddle and stopped hurting all the time you will want to go faster!

This is where is you start to get real flu like….. Faster requires you to be fitter, to be fitter you need to ride more. You start to really enjoy being in the saddle. You will find money leaking out of your pockets and you wardrobe of what you wear reducing and becoming more cyclist like, shorts will appear regardless of the weather, breathable wicking materials become preferred. It’s a quiet transition but its happening.

By now you are in serious state and probably should get to hospital because cycling has consumed you, it’s taken over. The reason you get up an hour earlier is not to get to the office but to have a an extra hour on the bike, You eat less and eat healthier not to loose weight so you look good, you do it because it’s less weight to carry on the bike, you’ll be faster.

Do you see the flip of the coin there? It starts as I’ll cycle to get fitter and healthier now it has become I’ll get healthier and fitter to improve my cycling! I’m not doing 20+mile rides in order to get slim (well not entirely) I’m doing it to improve my pedalling action to get the climbing technique and muscles working at peak condition.

Nope cycling is not a hobby it is a disease and it is terminal…. For me anyway.

Hill homeward bound

2008-04-23T13:52:00.002+01:00

Did the Hilliest ride home available within 10 miles, I felt quite strong and fast I can keep a high pace for about 25minutes but then I really start to flag. On my 14miler to work on tuesday I was screaming along for 35mins then i'd had it for the next 30 mins until my energy drink and food had kicked in, and i'd recovered somewhat. My heart rate at those times is not overly there's just not enough in the legs!
It'll come though i'm sure.
I've started making more of an effort attacking stood up to build up that acceleration speed and hill killing style.

Bike Training:Time on bike:120Min's

Knee comfort during & after /10 (1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)

Weight: 14.2 stone (got to do something about this.... stop eating so much!)

Mileage past 24 hours: 24

Mileage so far this month: 225

Oh Bugger

2008-04-22T09:59:00.005+01:00

I have become so skillful and such a cycling expert now that upon my arrival at my LBS (local bike shop) I was waiting for the manager to arrive I was cycling round in circles to keep warm having blasted the 5 miles to work in a respectable sub 20 min time (it is almost all down hill) I was feeling pleased with myself and my improving fitness and speed.

I look the part, I ride well and I am a cool mountain biking commuting cyclist.

I come to a stop in front of the shop, unclasp the left foot and stand down.....

I then start of over balance to the right....... (the right foot is still fastened to the pedal)

I try to correct this but only manage to continue my fall to the right,

I now try to unclasp my right foot in order catch my self and perform an excellent cyclist shuffle!

Now for those who do not know the act of removing ones' foot from the spd pedal whilst in a panicked usually falling situation i have decided to call the "cyclist shuffle."

Imagine if you will a person stubbing out a cigarette on the floor (Olivia newton john in grease style)
Now you have this image speed it up by a factor of 150% and add the shear panic of a deer in headlights coupled to the imminent arrival of pain such as watching something heavy fall onto your toes and you just watch and the toes won't move out of the way!

Put this together and you have the emotions and actions of the "cyclist shuffle"

The Shuffle failed!
I land on my side still attached to my bike with a loud bang and shout of "Ouch!"

At this point the 5 LBS's colleagues and 4 customers and the manager all fall over them self's laughing their asses off at me writhing on the floor.

The embarrassment level was pretty high.

Bike Training:
Time on bike:120Min's
Knee comfort during & after 8/10 (1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)
Weight: I dare not look!
Mileage past 24 hours: 24
Mileage so far this month: 225

Running Training
Time on the road:28 Min's
Knee comfort during & after 6/10
Mileage:3

Week End off

2008-04-21T08:11:00.003+01:00

We had the pleasure of a friends wedding this weekend so with the exception of a 20 minute blast to the bike shop on Sunday no exercise has been had. I've also drank and eaten like a starving man at the wedding and I'm feeling it now. A steady ride in this morning as I feel quite fat and lethargic and I had to bring all my work clothes and running clothes and food for the week with me which meant my rucksack weighed a ton!

How ever maybe i earned the weekend off, as on Friday I ran 7km in the morning cycled the 12km to work, ran 5km at lunch with a few guys from the office at a much better pace than I previously shaving 5 whole minutes off my time for that 5km run to 28mins! really stoked about that one and then the 12km ride home.

I felt beat Friday night but really pleased that i managed to do it all and that at the end of the runs i still felt strong!

Bike Training: Friday night - Monday morning
Time on bike:75Min's
Knee comfort during & after 8/10 (1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)
Weight: I dare not look!
Mileage over the weekend: 19
Mileage so far this month: 201

(Funny cartoons from Cartoon Church)

Feeling Strong

2008-04-18T14:52:00.004+01:00

Cycling update:
The ride home yesterday once all the snow had gone was hard work, a head wind that followed me which ever direction I turned all the way home and a big rucksack like a sail on my back really slowing me down all the way.

Running update: Well after the disasters of Wednesday and out doing work things until 23:00 yesterday I did not expect to feel really great today. But I did! I got up and went for a run expecting to stick with my previous 4-5k but my legs felt good, my trainers when I got the laces tied to the right feel were brilliant and I just kept going and did over 7k in the end and I could have kept going but needed a drink!

So a quick change and off to work on the bike, a good 12k to work still feeling really strong so come lunch time I went for another run with a couple of guys from the office and Wow! they went at a good pace and on a run I previously stopped a couple times to stretch (read have a breather) I kept going with them and did the 5k in 28minutes 5 whole minutes faster than my last time!

Feeling quite tired (probably due to the office being like a sauna) now but so pleased with my performance.

Another 12k home, off road I think today to mix it up.

Unbelieveable.

2008-04-17T12:25:00.005+01:00

(Note from HighwayMunky: this post is not a wind up this actually happen)

You will not believe the past 24 hours it has been unreal.

Yesterday I went swimming in the morning and whilst getting dressed i managed to rip the under carriage of my jeans so that they were basically in two. pretty bad and embarrassing!

I then had to walk through the City Centre with people laughing at me to the sports clothing store.

Wait 45 minutes ass freezing off for them to open.

Just as the opened a car raced up the side of the store being chased by 4 police cars, crashed through a fence and crashed into a church. 2 guys got out and legged it with cops chasing them.

I then had to wait and give a account of what I'd seen and explain the nice police man about my jeans who... Yes he did laugh! thought it was funny and let me go!

Clothing changed I felt better,

On my way home I stopped to use the public toilet at the bus station and (this is really horrible) an old man (60 - 70years) walked in saw that both toilet cubicles were in use so said "bugger this" and had a shit in the urinal.... 3 feet from where i was standing! whilst i was having a pee! (which took forever as i was desperate)

So i hightailed it out of there asap. distgusted and a bit shaken by what had just happened. I quickly leave the bus station and walk through town and walk right into a fight (thrown punches and everything) between a further 2 old men because one guy had parked his Jaguar on the double yellows and the other old flat cap wearing pensioner took exception. The non driver basically dragged the 'Jag' owner out of the car and they started hitting each other a shouting.

Unbelievable!

So by the time the family picked me up I was a nervous wreck!
And then i noticed that the a significant chunk of my watch had fallen off, the bit that helps to keep it water proof.

Feking Fantastic!!

So.... when i woke up this morning looking forward to a nice ride to work to blow away the cobwebs of the disturbing day yesterday what did i see.

SNOW!
Snow and ice are not consistent with a nice steady ride to work, they meant freezing cold! wet through and blasted with freezing slush by every passing car!

Good thing is I got some decent running trainers as my current ones have had it really.

Nice new running shoes, very comfy, I will hopefully try them out later.

Bike Training:
Time on bike:22Min's
Knee comfort during & after 9/10 (1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)
Weight: 14.3 stone or 200.02 pounds
Mileage last 24 hours: 7
Mileage so far this month: 182

1st Swim

2008-04-16T11:48:00.003+01:00

Now it's not actually my 1st swim ever.. I can swim fine, well thats not quite true.
I can swim from one end to the other with very little grace or style and swallow only half of the pool in the process.

Swimming 200m in open water with racing excitment seems like quite a long way off I did manage to swim about 800m over the space of 30 minutes with stops ever 50 - 75m for a breather but I felt good after doing. Ponds Forge (picture above) has great facilities and the pool is huge. Very cold but huge!

The problem i've had before when going swimming is that i pull my hamstring due it being weak following my ligament replacement surgery last august.

Triathlon Training: Time on bike: 25min (in the pouring rain)
Knee comfort during & after 6/10
(1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)
Weight: 14.3 stone or 200.02 pounds
Mileage last 24 hours: 7
Mileage so far this month: 182

Time in pool: 30min
Distance: 800m
Technique: 2/10
(1 being drowning and 10 being fish like)
Target 200m in 5mins!!

Crime & Punishment

2008-04-15T09:56:00.006+01:00

The Crime:

Yesterday was Monday which meant dinner at our good friend’s house, the food is always gorgeous and I always eat too much. Try as I may to restrain myself and I did try the sheer taste sensation that was Ruth’s curry over whelmed me so I had seconds and ate what the kids left too.

The Punishment:

Up at 5am,

Dressed by 5:10,

20 minutes of stretches and 40 sit ups,

Pack the bag and on the road by 5:45am,

33k of riding through beautiful country lanes broken up at the 25k mark with a lovely 2k of single-track and bridleway as a break from the road riding.

I did this ride about 2 weeks ago and was really knackered by the time I got to work but today I felt strong and made my self stick to regular food and drink breaks eating a bit of energy bar every 25min and making sure I drank every 15min at least. Drank 2litres of water + energy drink powder which I find kicks in after 10 minutes and really helps to get some life back in tired legs.

The country side is beautiful 1st thing in the morning with the sun rising over the hills and the frost lifting off the grass as mist. Once on the tracks the sun was up and warming my cold hands and legs I felt so good, especially as last time riding up here was very slow hard work but today was at a reasonable pace but still hard work!

Suffered with frozon numb toes and finger this morning, oddly it was only my little finger on my left hand but all my toes were numb (due to sock too thin for the weather) but the hot shower at work reminded me to wear thicker socks next time.

Frozen toes + Hot water = AAARRRGGHHHH!!!!

The title is not really right for this post because if it is a crime to eat too much lovely food and you are punished by going for an excellent morning bike ride... then chain me to the wall!

Bike Training:
Time on bike: 150mins
Knee comfort during & after 6/10 (1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)
Weight: 14.3 stone or 200.02 pounds Mileage last 24 hours: 30
Mileage so far this month: 175

Good Muddy Fun

2008-04-14T09:36:00.014+01:00

Friday's ride home was a great ride and proved 2 things to me.

1. I am not where near as fit as i would like to be or even think I am.
2. My new tyres ROCK!!

I decided to go for the full XC ride home all the tracks and paths from the office to my house which is about 7 miles of single track and bridle path! it's a great ride (if you have the legs.... which i don't at the minute)

The going was good to start with quite muddy but the tyres shed so quickly and grip so well I just kept plodding along quite happily.

I went down some running route to avoid the farmer with the shotgun who objects that I ride past his house. Then down Thorny path to connect to Carr lane. Thorny path was quite good as it is too early in the year to be fully over grown and you but is dry enough to ride at some speed.
Once on Carr lane it was a case of keeping the legs pumping to get rid of the acid and keep up the heart rate:
(it's all about the fat burning heart rate at the minute)

Then turn down the Hill of Death & Pain (reverse) and really enjoy the ass hanging over the back wheel fast flowing decent a quick skid and over the bridge, drop to the granny gear and hunker down for the long climb. My heart was jumping out of my chest my lungs could not work hard enough and my legs were screaming to get rid of the battery acid pumping through my veins by the time I'd reached to top. It's a screaming 1.5km down and up that is brilliant to do either way. So when i reach the top to take a photo (read have a breather) I realise my water bottle is missing! Bugger!

Some would say just to leave it but I didn't want to get into trouble and I like that water bottle so turn around and back down we go chasing my deep cut up hill track all the way to the bottom, over the bridge, drop the gears and back up the other side scanning the ground for my life giving water. Was it near the bottom......no, was it 1/2 way up......no, was it basically at the top of the hill... of course it was!

Having taken a moment to ponder which route I should take home from this point (read have a breather) I decided to go along and have another bash at Horse Track Hill. So aptly named as the horses make the riding of this track very rough due to the hoof tracks.

Pootling along the road looking like I'd just fallen face first into a large muddy puddle I was the entertainment of the passing motorist!

My legs seem to have come to life now and the attack up horse track hill was quick and fun and the decent so much better now that my tyres grip like they should and better. I had my leg off the pedal bike leaning over going round the corner a a fair rate of knots with no sign of slide of slippage. Through the stream under the motorway and back in the saddle for the long haul uphill (only 3km really) But it was so muddy that it beat me and i had to walk for 50m to a level drier section.

(section that beat me)

Once at the top I was feeling knackered but invigorated straight up on to Sheep Dike lane and then 1.5km left then home.

It was a good ride, took me about an hour and I was very muddy by the time I got back. Excellent!

Training update:
Lunch time run:

Time on road : 34mins
Knee comfort during & after 7/10
(1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)

Distance 4.8km
Run Elevation:

Award winning cycling innovation

2008-04-14T09:21:00.003+01:00

Mr Michael Chen of London (England) has created a cycling jacket

The Reactiv jacket uses an accelerometer to sense movement, changing the colour of LEDs on the back from green when accelerating, to red when braking.

A "tilt switch" in the jacket makes LEDs in the arm flash amber when the wearer lifts their arm to indicate a turn.

Mr chen said : "My prototype had lights taped to it that everyone thought was pretty ugly. But when I put the wiring inside, it looked more normal.

"Riding around London, people wave and chase me down the street, asking, 'Where did you buy that jacket?'"

How cool is that jacket! It's a commuting cyclist dream! It looks good, tells the idiots behind the wheels of their cars, vans and HGV's what you are doing day and night!

This in my opinion is a genius invention and I hope it goes into full production! I want one!

Bike Training over weekend:

Time on bike : 120mins
Knee comfort during & after 6/10
(1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)

Weight: 14.2 stone or 199 pounds
Mileage over weekend: 25
Mileage so far this month: 145

The Addiction

2008-04-11T10:05:00.004+01:00

(Horse Track Hill)

I see people who ride their bikes for necessity,
there are some who ride for fun,
there are those who ride to get fit
as well as those who ride to win!
there are those weekend warriors
there are those who's lives revolve around their bikes
there are people who commute
there are people who only rode as children

Who am i amongst this lot? where do I fit in?

I ride because I love it I ride because I'm addicted to it. I don't want to make money off it, from it ,through it, I don't want to be the fastest, best world beating, I don't need to do the best tricks, stunts or jumps on it.

I just want to ride my bike, put on my ipod and ride pound the miles of tarmac and track, up hills down hills, through woods and fields, sand and rock, grass and roots,

The perfect turn of the cranks, the shadow of the cyclist out of the saddle on the ground before me, the feel of the road, conquering the miles.

Just bring me the horizon it's not as far as you think it just takes a little time to get there and I'll see everything along the way.

To just ride.

(Top of Hill of Death & Pain)

Bike Training past 24 hours:

Time on bike : 80mins
Knee comfort during & after 8/10
(1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)

Weight: 14.1 stone or 197 pounds
Mileage Yesterday: 14
Mileage so far this month: 120

2nd Run

2008-04-10T13:57:00.006+01:00

Run today was the same route as tuesday but in reverse - seems harder! Quite a lot of calf pain front and back in my right leg which is strange as i hurt my left knee!

So the run was harder my legs were stiffer to start with

Time on road : 33mins
Knee comfort during & after 6/10
(1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)

Distance 4.6km
Total distance run this month 9.2km

P.s

New tyres on bike. Panaracer FireXC pro 2.1 front and back! They look bling and ride good on the road, off road.... we'll see.

Pimp My Bike!!

Gear Review

2008-04-10T09:31:00.004+01:00

Training Update:

Rest day yesterday and do I feel better for it.... No not at all I ache like mad it took me a good 10 minutes of stretches to get my self going this morning and my legs still feel rough from the run on Tuesday but another must be done today to keep up with my training.

The problem is that I think my body is still shock from having demands made of it but I am starting to feel better.

Going for the full 5K run today

Time: 30mins
Knee comfort during & after 8/10
(1 being can't walk and 10 being no problems)

Weight: 14.1 stone or 197 pounds
Mileage in last 24 hours: 7
Mileage so far this month: 106

Gear Review:
New Stuff I have tried recently

Yeti Grips:
These grips are easy to install, I never has any problem with slippage or movement. They are not that comfortable without gloves and I found them to be a little big for my hands. They look good but not the best. 6/10

Maxxis Ignitor tyres:

Tire Size 26x2.10
Bead Foldable
Max PSI 65
Weight 615g

I have run these tyres for 12months and done hundreds of miles both on and off road on them. I they have given me an excellent riding footing, they grip well in the mud and shed very well.
I have had very few punctures found them to be stable and fast. An excellent tyre. 8/10