Training Update 25th April

Twenty days to go to the start of the ride, and training is going OK.  I seem to be able to do a 75 mile ride without too many problems but haven’t yet strung together 14 of them !!!  I’ve started to use chamois cream on my nether regions to minimize the risks of saddle soreness and it seems to be working so far (but I guess that’s more information than you really want).

Sponsorship is going really well, people have been far more generous than I’d expected.  I reached my initial £1500 target on Friday and have increased it to £1750, on the basis that new people visiting the site might have been put off from giving if they thought I’d already hit the target.

So if you’re reading this and haven’t had the chance to sponsor me, please feel free to make a contribution.

We went to see Bad Company play at the Birmingham NEC on Thursday with some very good company – our friends Pete & Ju.  To add a twist to the event we thought it would be a good idea for Stephen to cycle half way there on Thursday, and half way back on Friday.  By coincidence, half way happens to be the Bicester Retail Outlet, so plenty to amuse the support team (i.e. me) while Stephen slogged his way across country.

The Thursday leg was 57 miles with 2565 feet of climbing, and took 3 hours 48 mins (average speed a creditable 14.9 mph).  Highlights of the trip were a fantastic lunch at the White Hart in Nettlebed (one of our favourite “Restaurant with Rooms” pubs), and me stalking Stephen to practice my sports photography skills (some examples attached).

The concert itself was fab, as we used to say in the days when Bad Company could perform without zimmer frames.  That said, the lead singer Paul Rodgers must have a picture up in his attic somewhere, because he still looks mid-forties and has kept alive one of rocks best voices.  If you like classic rock, then I’d definitely encourage you to check them out if you can.

The Friday leg was a totally different kettle of fish – 53 miles with 2040 feet of climbing, but with torrential rain and a 30 mph headwind for most of the journey.  Time taken, 4 hours 13 minutes (average speed a soggy 12.5 mph).  At least Stephen knows it’s not all going to be easy-peasy, and most of the challenge will be in his head, not in his legs.  But is was fun trying to show him my fantastic purchases at Bicester when all he wanted to do was get out of his cold, wet clothes and curl up for a sleep in the car!