Monday, 10 August 2015
Friday, 7 August 2015
Nooooooooooo
I couldn't do it. I didn't make the 100 mile target.
My plan of doing more short rides is all well and good but when it comes to the 100 mile target I need to throw in one or two 30 mile+ rides per month.
Lesson learned.
On the plus side I did A LOT of pilates, walking and zumba in July so I won't be too hard on myself regarding July's cycling miles (78).
I dont want a repeat in August though so St John's Chapel (and possibly further if its not raining) is calling my name.
I have still done some great rides in July (particular favourite was the first ride up to the local reservoir). Here's to more of the same in August!
Kimberley
My plan of doing more short rides is all well and good but when it comes to the 100 mile target I need to throw in one or two 30 mile+ rides per month.
Lesson learned.
On the plus side I did A LOT of pilates, walking and zumba in July so I won't be too hard on myself regarding July's cycling miles (78).
I dont want a repeat in August though so St John's Chapel (and possibly further if its not raining) is calling my name.
I have still done some great rides in July (particular favourite was the first ride up to the local reservoir). Here's to more of the same in August!
Kimberley
Tuesday, 28 July 2015
A trip to the reservoir...
On Sunday I went to my usual Pilates class to stretch out the muscles and push my self to get a stronger core.
After the class I felt like taking a bike ride whilst my energy was up & it was a lovely day. Nice and sunny and warm.
I took a new route up to the local reservoir and it was glorious. It's only an 8 mile round trip from my house but it's hilly & a challenging ride. I actually had to get off on the final hill and walk but I think that was because I had already done Pilates. I always worried about the short steep hills on the way up to the reservoir so I'd never attempted it on bike before.
I made it up there in 25 minutes which was impressive I thought. I sat with the bike beside me at the side of the water for a long time. Looking at the geese and fishermen out on their boats. It was the most beautiful moment I've had with my bike so far.
Wednesday, 15 July 2015
A good strategy...
I'm enjoying my new strategy - short rides every day or every other day.
In previous months I have relied on my longer bike rides to build up the miles. The problem with that was that I was only riding once or twice a week on average.
Now that I am riding often I feel stronger - it is really helping to improve my strength but is also helping to keep the momentum going. When I get on the bike at present the only pain I feel is a sore bum but once I get into the ride that doesn't matter. All I can think about is how strong I feel.
Still feels like a chore to put the effort in after a long day at work but once I'm out there I feel great.
Here's to short rides. Short but often - my new strategy.
Kimberley
In previous months I have relied on my longer bike rides to build up the miles. The problem with that was that I was only riding once or twice a week on average.
Now that I am riding often I feel stronger - it is really helping to improve my strength but is also helping to keep the momentum going. When I get on the bike at present the only pain I feel is a sore bum but once I get into the ride that doesn't matter. All I can think about is how strong I feel.
Still feels like a chore to put the effort in after a long day at work but once I'm out there I feel great.
Here's to short rides. Short but often - my new strategy.
Kimberley
Tuesday, 14 July 2015
Calculator you surprise me
I have added it up and I have cycled 473.34 miles since 18th January this year.
Wow!
I posted this on instagram last night: "Hard ride in the rain. I am determined to keep going. Whatever life throws at you. Keep going. At your low point. Keep going. Without makeup. Without worry. Without anyone else. Just ride."
Wow!
I posted this on instagram last night: "Hard ride in the rain. I am determined to keep going. Whatever life throws at you. Keep going. At your low point. Keep going. Without makeup. Without worry. Without anyone else. Just ride."
Monday, 13 July 2015
Slow and steady wins the race?
I have cycled 29.9 miles in July. This month is a struggle - for the first time since I started in January I honestly don't want to go out. At present the thought of a 28 mile ride to S J Chapel and back seems like a nightmare.
I have been doing a lot of other exercise lately - pilates and zumba and a lot of gardening - so my body is tired all of the time - perhaps that explains my present attitude to the bike.
I have decided to push through this bump in the road (ha!) and keep on cycling. It doesn't have to be a 30 mile ride - any ride will do. I have given myself a 10 mile rule. Do 10 miles then go and rest. If I do plenty of shorter rides I can still manage 100 this month.
Perhaps later in the month I will feel energetic and will get out into the Dale - given that this is the perfect time of year with good weather (usually) and light nights.
For now I am taking min. 10 mile rides every other day (usually the same 11-12 mile route).
Tour De France has been great watching and has provided a lot of much need inspiration. IAM cycling team pushing through and getting 6th in the 9th stage really inspired me. The Guardian reports that the IAM team "surprised everyone" by finishing 6th. That might be the case but they delighted me - good on them. Love a dark horse. I too feel like a dark horse. Most of the cyclists I pass (90% or more) are men. They mostly ride in pairs or groups. They have better bikes than me (I see a lot of carbon frames flying by). They have better gear than me. They ALL take over me. I WILL KEEP GOING THOUGH. Just like IAM - I will push through and hope to surprise no one other than myself.
Look at them go!
I have decided it is high time I get myself into a nice looking jersey so this morning I bought this little beauty:
Men's jerseys are the only ones long enough for me (being 5"11). Also hoping that in buying a bigger size than I need that I will be able to fit my chest into the jersey. I have one women's jersey and it is too short and must be designed for women without breasts. I hope this one fits!
Ah the woes of a tall female cyclist.
Going out in the rain tonight for 12 miles.
Must. Keep. Going.
I have been doing a lot of other exercise lately - pilates and zumba and a lot of gardening - so my body is tired all of the time - perhaps that explains my present attitude to the bike.
I have decided to push through this bump in the road (ha!) and keep on cycling. It doesn't have to be a 30 mile ride - any ride will do. I have given myself a 10 mile rule. Do 10 miles then go and rest. If I do plenty of shorter rides I can still manage 100 this month.
Perhaps later in the month I will feel energetic and will get out into the Dale - given that this is the perfect time of year with good weather (usually) and light nights.
For now I am taking min. 10 mile rides every other day (usually the same 11-12 mile route).
Tour De France has been great watching and has provided a lot of much need inspiration. IAM cycling team pushing through and getting 6th in the 9th stage really inspired me. The Guardian reports that the IAM team "surprised everyone" by finishing 6th. That might be the case but they delighted me - good on them. Love a dark horse. I too feel like a dark horse. Most of the cyclists I pass (90% or more) are men. They mostly ride in pairs or groups. They have better bikes than me (I see a lot of carbon frames flying by). They have better gear than me. They ALL take over me. I WILL KEEP GOING THOUGH. Just like IAM - I will push through and hope to surprise no one other than myself.
Look at them go!
I have decided it is high time I get myself into a nice looking jersey so this morning I bought this little beauty:
Men's jerseys are the only ones long enough for me (being 5"11). Also hoping that in buying a bigger size than I need that I will be able to fit my chest into the jersey. I have one women's jersey and it is too short and must be designed for women without breasts. I hope this one fits!
Ah the woes of a tall female cyclist.
Going out in the rain tonight for 12 miles.
Must. Keep. Going.
Thursday, 9 July 2015
A cure like no other
Medication, change of diet, exercising more, reading a book...these are all good cures when you're feeling a bit low.
Other than music though the only thing that makes me feel better is getting out on my bike.
The freedom and silence soothes my soul.
Tonight a bike ride will be just the right thing.
Other than music though the only thing that makes me feel better is getting out on my bike.
The freedom and silence soothes my soul.
Tonight a bike ride will be just the right thing.
Thursday, 2 July 2015
Glastonbury..
I've just got back from Glastonbury festival and it was one of the most insane experiences of my life. It was brilliant but it was truly insane. I am so tired. I think I might be tired for the rest of the month!
There were around 175,000 people there. Massive crowds all day and all night wherever you wanted to go and still I saw some people getting around by bike! I don't know what is worse - walking so far in welly boots or cycling extremely slowly weaving in and out of huge crowds. I think maybe cycling in crowds is worse.
In June, due to my bike being off the road and my being away down south for a week, I have only managed to cycle 50 miles :(
That is half of what I usually do.
July is a lot quieter so I'm getting back out on my lovely Emilio tonight to give him a spin and a warm up for plenty of rides in July.
I'm currently reading Rendell's 'The Death of Marco Pantani'
It's both inspiring and terrifying.
Here is my public pledge to cycle 100 miles in July. I think it's also time I should be getting up to Killhope to check out those famous hills.
Now that it is on here I WILL do it.
Kimberley
There were around 175,000 people there. Massive crowds all day and all night wherever you wanted to go and still I saw some people getting around by bike! I don't know what is worse - walking so far in welly boots or cycling extremely slowly weaving in and out of huge crowds. I think maybe cycling in crowds is worse.
In June, due to my bike being off the road and my being away down south for a week, I have only managed to cycle 50 miles :(
That is half of what I usually do.
July is a lot quieter so I'm getting back out on my lovely Emilio tonight to give him a spin and a warm up for plenty of rides in July.
I'm currently reading Rendell's 'The Death of Marco Pantani'
It's both inspiring and terrifying.
Here is my public pledge to cycle 100 miles in July. I think it's also time I should be getting up to Killhope to check out those famous hills.
Now that it is on here I WILL do it.
Kimberley
Tuesday, 16 June 2015
I'm getting there...
Since I've started cycling I've lost 9lbs and I've definitely gained some muscle!
Monday, 15 June 2015
Reunited and it feels so good...
I have my bike back! It's been in for its service and repairs and I took it out on Saturday morning for a spin - 27.3 miles and a trip to St John's Chapel later I came back thrilled to bits. I was thrilled to have my bike back but also thrilled at how it felt - the brakes were better - the gear change was smoother - it was the best ride in ages.
Also good was the fact that the dreaded St John's Chapel ride is starting to feel easier. I have done it six times now. I think that my ride into work last week (and up the ridiculously steep hills out of Weardale) has really put things into perspective for me. This weekend the ride was definitely easier.
I am taking part in the National Bike Challenge with my employer - they are getting staff to sign up to do at least one bike ride (at least 10 minutes long). It is a competition to get more people cycling with some great prizes for the organisation that gets the most people on their bikes!
I've signed up and have challenged colleagues to do the same!
Why not check if your employer is taking part here
I'm spreading the word throughout my small corner of the University :)
Hoping for some nice weather this week for a nice ride to Stanhope after work.
Happy cycling to all
Kimberley
Also good was the fact that the dreaded St John's Chapel ride is starting to feel easier. I have done it six times now. I think that my ride into work last week (and up the ridiculously steep hills out of Weardale) has really put things into perspective for me. This weekend the ride was definitely easier.
I am taking part in the National Bike Challenge with my employer - they are getting staff to sign up to do at least one bike ride (at least 10 minutes long). It is a competition to get more people cycling with some great prizes for the organisation that gets the most people on their bikes!
I've signed up and have challenged colleagues to do the same!
Why not check if your employer is taking part here
I'm spreading the word throughout my small corner of the University :)
Hoping for some nice weather this week for a nice ride to Stanhope after work.
Happy cycling to all
Kimberley
Friday, 12 June 2015
Wednesday, 10 June 2015
The second ride is the hardest.
As I mentioned in my last post I planned a last minute cycle to work and back in aid of World Environment Day and to raise money for the charity Mind. This is how it went...
When I woke up at 06.15 I rushed to the window to see what the weather was like - I had been watching the wind forecast all week. To my delight it was sunny and the trees stood tall and still. I had prepared everything the previous night but could not find my water bottles anywhere...I ended up taking my niece and nephew's sippy cups! I was embarassed initially but at the top of the first hill I couldn't have cared less.
So, the first hill, the one I dreaded, 828ft above sea level. Hell. I am not ashamed to tell you that it took me nearly thirty minutes to get from my house to the top of this hill. The reason I am not ashamed is because that hill would test even the best and strongest amateur riders. I stopped several times - there were moments where I thought - it's so steep how on earth am I going to even move forward once I've stopped. Somehow I just did.
The second hill into Tow Law, 1035ft above sea level. Hell. I nearly cried on this one since it was so soon after the first. The rest of the ride in was downhill until the very last mile. There was one final hill to tackle but it was only 567ft up so it felt easy compared to the monsters that had come before it.
I got to work very pleased with myself, £243.75 raised for charity, one less car on the road that day. Everyone joked that I had made it and the way back would be a breeze. I even thought it might not be too bad.
It was.
It was bad.
Very bad.
A 35mph gust appeared from nowhere around lunch and it was blowing right in my direction on the way home. Usually I would just try my best and ride into it as best I could but I was so tired from the morning. I had been so concerned about getting up the hills out of Wolsingham and into Tow Law in the morning that I had completely neglected to think about the route home.
The hills on the way back were long and gruelling, I was running out of energy and my legs were on fire. I did it though. Goodness knows it was worth it for the money raised and because I now know that I am capable of climbing hills like that! So I'm really pleased that I did it.
I broke a spoke on the way down the hill - thank goodness it was near my house when it happened.
I tried to fix it and I have made it worse so it is going to the mechanic on Friday - putting it in for a full service whilst I'm on with it since I haven't had it looked at or serviced yet by anyone.
I can't wait to get back out on the road on Saturday morning :)
Kimberley
When I woke up at 06.15 I rushed to the window to see what the weather was like - I had been watching the wind forecast all week. To my delight it was sunny and the trees stood tall and still. I had prepared everything the previous night but could not find my water bottles anywhere...I ended up taking my niece and nephew's sippy cups! I was embarassed initially but at the top of the first hill I couldn't have cared less.
So, the first hill, the one I dreaded, 828ft above sea level. Hell. I am not ashamed to tell you that it took me nearly thirty minutes to get from my house to the top of this hill. The reason I am not ashamed is because that hill would test even the best and strongest amateur riders. I stopped several times - there were moments where I thought - it's so steep how on earth am I going to even move forward once I've stopped. Somehow I just did.
The second hill into Tow Law, 1035ft above sea level. Hell. I nearly cried on this one since it was so soon after the first. The rest of the ride in was downhill until the very last mile. There was one final hill to tackle but it was only 567ft up so it felt easy compared to the monsters that had come before it.
I got to work very pleased with myself, £243.75 raised for charity, one less car on the road that day. Everyone joked that I had made it and the way back would be a breeze. I even thought it might not be too bad.
It was.
It was bad.
Very bad.
A 35mph gust appeared from nowhere around lunch and it was blowing right in my direction on the way home. Usually I would just try my best and ride into it as best I could but I was so tired from the morning. I had been so concerned about getting up the hills out of Wolsingham and into Tow Law in the morning that I had completely neglected to think about the route home.
The hills on the way back were long and gruelling, I was running out of energy and my legs were on fire. I did it though. Goodness knows it was worth it for the money raised and because I now know that I am capable of climbing hills like that! So I'm really pleased that I did it.
I broke a spoke on the way down the hill - thank goodness it was near my house when it happened.
I tried to fix it and I have made it worse so it is going to the mechanic on Friday - putting it in for a full service whilst I'm on with it since I haven't had it looked at or serviced yet by anyone.
I can't wait to get back out on the road on Saturday morning :)
Kimberley
Monday, 1 June 2015
Cycling for charity
Hi,
This Friday I will be cycling to and from home to work in honour of World Environment Day.
I am also raising money for the mental health charity Mind.
This ride is a big challenge for me. It is the first time I will have cycled up the extremely steep hill out of Wolsingham into Tow Law. Once I make it up the first hill there is another (less long but just as steep) hill soon after. The route is 11.7 miles each way so it's not an incredibly long distance but its a very challenging ride all the same.
If you would like to donate to these causes then I would be extremely grateful for your support
In many ways I've been training for this since January. I'm very happy to be combining cycling with great causes. Bring on the hills!
Kimberley
This Friday I will be cycling to and from home to work in honour of World Environment Day.
I am also raising money for the mental health charity Mind.
This ride is a big challenge for me. It is the first time I will have cycled up the extremely steep hill out of Wolsingham into Tow Law. Once I make it up the first hill there is another (less long but just as steep) hill soon after. The route is 11.7 miles each way so it's not an incredibly long distance but its a very challenging ride all the same.
If you would like to donate to these causes then I would be extremely grateful for your support
In many ways I've been training for this since January. I'm very happy to be combining cycling with great causes. Bring on the hills!
Kimberley
Tuesday, 26 May 2015
Withdrawal symptoms and pilates for cycling
I have not been on my bike in 25 days. The first two weeks were OK because I was on holiday and could not take my bike with me. I did cycle in the gym as I have mentioned but that is not the same.
On the last day of my holiday I really screwed my back up and it is still not 100%. Luckily it is much better but I don't want to set it back by going back on the bike too soon. No zumba this week for me either.
Although I did a lot of gym cycling whilst on holiday I am starting to feel sluggish and less happy. I think it is because I'm not getting out on the bike.
In an effort to distract myself from bike withdrawal I have been looking into getting some new sportswear for zumba and it spiraled out of control and I have basically enrolled onto a pilates class. This all happened before 9am. I have a lovely funky new outfit on its way (including a sports bra for the bustier woman ;) from Fabletics). My first pilates class is 10am on Sunday morning. I'm really looking forward to it.
Then I happened upon this article article
So whilst I am not new to cycling I was pleased to read some advice from a pro and even more pleased to see that Pendleton's 6th tip for cycling is supporting your hard work with an activity like pilates! Woop!
“I think Pilates is really good. Yoga is great, but it’s quite hard
work if you’re not someone who is really into that holistic kind of
approach. You have to buy into yoga in some way, both spiritually and
physically. I think Pilates is great – I did Pilates towards the end of
my career to manage my core stability and back pain from wear and tear
and a long time spent hunched over a bike, and I found it really
helpful.
“Matt Pilates, reformer Pilates… I just bought myself a reformer for my garage gym, which makes me super happy. Pilates is excellent because it’s a really important to have a strong back and core and support throughout your midsection so you don’t get achy shoulders, back, and pelvis, so yeah, Pilates is key.”
I have found a class in my village and I hope that pilates helps to stretch out my thigh muscles and also stretch and strengthen my back to avoid another stint off the bike.
So I've got cycling at least twice a week, zumba and pilates once a week - or I will have as soon as this back of mine is fixed.
Kimberley
On the last day of my holiday I really screwed my back up and it is still not 100%. Luckily it is much better but I don't want to set it back by going back on the bike too soon. No zumba this week for me either.
Although I did a lot of gym cycling whilst on holiday I am starting to feel sluggish and less happy. I think it is because I'm not getting out on the bike.
In an effort to distract myself from bike withdrawal I have been looking into getting some new sportswear for zumba and it spiraled out of control and I have basically enrolled onto a pilates class. This all happened before 9am. I have a lovely funky new outfit on its way (including a sports bra for the bustier woman ;) from Fabletics). My first pilates class is 10am on Sunday morning. I'm really looking forward to it.
Then I happened upon this article article
So whilst I am not new to cycling I was pleased to read some advice from a pro and even more pleased to see that Pendleton's 6th tip for cycling is supporting your hard work with an activity like pilates! Woop!
Victoria says:
“Matt Pilates, reformer Pilates… I just bought myself a reformer for my garage gym, which makes me super happy. Pilates is excellent because it’s a really important to have a strong back and core and support throughout your midsection so you don’t get achy shoulders, back, and pelvis, so yeah, Pilates is key.”
I have found a class in my village and I hope that pilates helps to stretch out my thigh muscles and also stretch and strengthen my back to avoid another stint off the bike.
So I've got cycling at least twice a week, zumba and pilates once a week - or I will have as soon as this back of mine is fixed.
Kimberley
Tuesday, 19 May 2015
A week in the desert - a week in the gym
I have spent the past week in Dubai.
In a gym.
On an exercise bike.
OK, so maybe not the entire week in the gym, I did an hour a day, 15 miles average per hour which I was happy with.
Exercise bikes are incredibly dull. Especially out there in the immense heat with air conditioned gyms and a view of the desert.
I was amazed to drive by a 'Cycle Hub' shop in Motor City. Even more amazed to see some people (not many, maybe 3 or 4 the whole week I was there) out cycling. Two of them were in the early morning and two were in the middle of the day. It was 45c that day. Kudos to them!
So I got 75 miles done but its just not the same. When I got back to my bike I actually gave it a hug. Don't care who knows it either. I love that bike!
Can't wait to get back on it this week.
Kimberley
In a gym.
On an exercise bike.
OK, so maybe not the entire week in the gym, I did an hour a day, 15 miles average per hour which I was happy with.
Exercise bikes are incredibly dull. Especially out there in the immense heat with air conditioned gyms and a view of the desert.
I was amazed to drive by a 'Cycle Hub' shop in Motor City. Even more amazed to see some people (not many, maybe 3 or 4 the whole week I was there) out cycling. Two of them were in the early morning and two were in the middle of the day. It was 45c that day. Kudos to them!
So I got 75 miles done but its just not the same. When I got back to my bike I actually gave it a hug. Don't care who knows it either. I love that bike!
Can't wait to get back on it this week.
Kimberley
Wednesday, 29 April 2015
Blazing saddles.
Several years ago, as you'll know if you have read this blog from the beggining, I lived in the lovely city of Torino in the North of Italy. I still maintain that my love of cycling was born in Turin because (as described at length in my first post!) that is where I got my first bike as an adult, saw the Giro D'Italia and spent countless hours cycling around the city. It was also where I first heard of a remarkable man named Gino Bartali.
Bartali won the Giro three times in his career and the Tour De France once. Bartali's feat of winning three consecutive mountain stages (13, 14 and 15) in the 1948 Tour de France has never been equaled. If that wasn't enough reason to fall in love with someone then know this: during World War II Bartali used his fame as a cyclist as a cover to deliver messages and documents in order to save Jewish people. Pretending to train, he would ride miles and miles to take documents back and forth and also is said to have hidden a Jewish family in his cellar. What a man.
For anyone interested I would strongly recommend reading Road to Valour or if you're up for an emotional rollercoaster you should watch the Rai Television TV adaptation 'Bartali - L'Intramontabile' (Bartali - Timeless) although I can't find it anywhere with English subtitles. It does star Pierfrancesco Favino as Bartali - and there are a lot of action shots of Pierfrancesco riding - and what a sight that is - highly recommended even if you do not speak Italian. It's worth it for Favino and his thighs. Anyway.
Here's a small taste of the glory
The reason I have been thinking about Bartali, other than just because he was brilliant, is because I think I have started to enjoy cycling up hills. I am not sure that I can explain exactly how this strange development has come about but there's a real difference now when I'm on a hill. I stay in the saddle, just like our man Bartali who often stayed in the saddle throughout a 15km climb. Now, I don't think I would like (or be able) to take on a 15km climb, and if I did I am sure I would not enjoy it. Small, steep climbs are great fun though. The sense of achievement at the top of the hill is unlike anything I have felt before. Nice that I am riding the same route as when I first started so I can feel the difference on each bit of the route - I can remember struggling to get out of the Dale and now that feels like one of the easier bits (between Wolsingham and Frosterley).
Cycling is just very good for me. I have noticed a change in my physique - my thighs are very toned and I'm losing weight steadily. I have noticed that my confidence on the bike has gone up; not only do I feel better going uphill but I am less scared of the downhill and am less likely to have the brakes firmly on when I'm descending. This is because I feel like I know the bike better and that I am in control.
So it's all good. I shall continue to channel my inner Bartali and I shall be the Queen of the Mountains (well, hills).
Kimberley
Monday, 13 April 2015
A secret path & the day I cycled 30 miles on Kendal Mint Cake
Hi there,
So the best thing about this time of year is that I can finally go out on my bike after work - which makes a huge difference to the week. I think doing shorter rides more often will help me to maintain a good level of fitness and take the pressure off of the weekend rides.
I had the most beautiful ride up into Weardale on Easter Monday. It was a warm day (about 16-17c) and it was bright sunshine, I got up and out at 8am and had three wonderful hours on the bike. Loved it. I was given some Kendal Mint Cake and that works an absolute treat in combination with ice cold water. A great 30 mile ride was had. I had lost my gloves so that wasn't ideal but overall a great ride - the hills couldn't slow me and it was my fastest ride yet!
I met a fellow cyclist at work who told me about a secret path that runs parallel to the A689 and avoids some of the worst bends on that road. It's a one track lane right beside the river and its glorious. Made my rides even better. There are a few very steep but short hills on that section of path as well which is good to keep my hill game up.
Not much else to report other than that I still love my bike and it still loves me.
Kimberley
Been a while since I have posted. I have been cycling a lot and travelling around a lot. Hence the lack of posts.
The great news is that I have smashed my cycling targets already and have cycled just under 200 miles so far since 16th January which is a huge achievement.
I mentioned a while ago that I went to a Cycle Maintenance class at Evans cycles at the Metro Centre. It was a great class, only one other student who was also a novice, and we were both interested in the same things - punctures, brakes, cleaning the chain etc. We were both given an Muc Off Rider Kit which is a good set (especially when included in the cost of the class!).
I like the muc-off standard bike wash well enough but the drivechain cleaner is really good. You do have to use quite a lot of it in one cleaning but it's very effective (especially on the cassette).
I had the most beautiful ride up into Weardale on Easter Monday. It was a warm day (about 16-17c) and it was bright sunshine, I got up and out at 8am and had three wonderful hours on the bike. Loved it. I was given some Kendal Mint Cake and that works an absolute treat in combination with ice cold water. A great 30 mile ride was had. I had lost my gloves so that wasn't ideal but overall a great ride - the hills couldn't slow me and it was my fastest ride yet!
I met a fellow cyclist at work who told me about a secret path that runs parallel to the A689 and avoids some of the worst bends on that road. It's a one track lane right beside the river and its glorious. Made my rides even better. There are a few very steep but short hills on that section of path as well which is good to keep my hill game up.
Not much else to report other than that I still love my bike and it still loves me.
Kimberley
Monday, 16 March 2015
Go to Lidl today...
Lidl have cycling stuff in shops today.
I highly recommend going down to your local shop & grabbing a bargain.
I have been down & bought a foot pump (which is amazing for £4.99) - I'm finally getting my tyres up to 100 PSI.
I also bought a jacket - quite nice & a good fit - for £11.99
Finally I bought a phone holder - it was £5.99 - I've seen them in cycling shops for at least double the Lidl price. It's a perfect fit for my iPhone 6. I use my RunKeeper and Strava & usually put the phone in the saddle bag but that makes me nervous that it'll fall out etc.
It was very busy around the bike section this morning so go quickly!
Kimberley
Thursday, 12 March 2015
Is it always windy in Weardale?
I have become obsessed with the Met Office website. I can't stop thinking about/checking the wind speed forecast. I'm seeing wind direction diagrams in my sleep.
On Sunday I went out for a ride but turned back after Frosterley as I felt there was a genuine possibility that I was going to be blown into a field.
I monitored the weather and Tuesday didn't look too bad wind wise. It turned out to be a lovely sunny (and quite mild) day so my lovely boss allowed me to take a rare last minute afternoon off to get some cycling done! :)
Even though the wind speed & gusts were less than half that of Sunday it was STILL windy out there. I battled through anyway inspired by this quote from the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett:
"She made herself stronger by fighting with the wind"
Fight I did and I made it back up to Saint John's Chapel :)
Another 27 miles in the bag, 113 miles this year so far. I am thinking I should invest in some proper clippy shoes since my foot slipped a few times on the up and down hills so I'm just going to get some and see what all the fuss is about.
Need to improve my game, was speaking to a cyclist in the pub on Friday night, he cycles every day, usually up into Bollihope/Hill End (!!) with his wife. They are both in their 70s and go on cycling holidays to Lanzarote every year. Inspiring stuff.
Kimberley
On Sunday I went out for a ride but turned back after Frosterley as I felt there was a genuine possibility that I was going to be blown into a field.
I monitored the weather and Tuesday didn't look too bad wind wise. It turned out to be a lovely sunny (and quite mild) day so my lovely boss allowed me to take a rare last minute afternoon off to get some cycling done! :)
Even though the wind speed & gusts were less than half that of Sunday it was STILL windy out there. I battled through anyway inspired by this quote from the Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett:
"She made herself stronger by fighting with the wind"
Fight I did and I made it back up to Saint John's Chapel :)
Another 27 miles in the bag, 113 miles this year so far. I am thinking I should invest in some proper clippy shoes since my foot slipped a few times on the up and down hills so I'm just going to get some and see what all the fuss is about.
Need to improve my game, was speaking to a cyclist in the pub on Friday night, he cycles every day, usually up into Bollihope/Hill End (!!) with his wife. They are both in their 70s and go on cycling holidays to Lanzarote every year. Inspiring stuff.
Kimberley
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