Biggs Junction to Umatilla 86.4 Miles / 2,340 Ft climb An early(ish) start on a blazing hot day. On the road by 7.30am for a very ambitious 90 miles. This was not by choice but because we could not find any accommodation to break the long distances. Maryhill’s answer to Stonehenge Some challenging road surfaces … Continue reading Cycle Across America – Day 9/10
Tag: Training
Cycle Across America – Day 5
Portland to Cascade Locks 31 miles / feet climb Knowing that we only had 30 miles to do today, we made another slow start. This is becoming a habit but this first week was planned to familiarise ourselves with cycling on the right side of the road, the road markings, junctions and highways. It was … Continue reading Cycle Across America – Day 5
In Other News
Our first encounter with a big bear was not a scary as I had anticipated! My essential medications made it through customs unquestioned. Mo’s serves a mean clam chowder. There are lots of Sea Lions in Astoria harbour and they can be incredibly noisy. Astoria welcomes cyclists of all varieties. X
2 Days and Counting…….
Our last outdoor training ride was last weekend and we had the perfect weather for it, a beautiful route, lovely company and possibly one of the best cake and coffee stops ever! Not really hard work at all.....except for the hills of which there were quite a few. I'm reminded of the phrase that used … Continue reading 2 Days and Counting…….
Inefficiency at its Best
To ensure that I had sufficient medication to last me throughout our Cycle Across America, I needed to order a four month supply. There cannot be many requests of this nature, so I wrote a letter to one of the GP's at our local surgery spelling out what I needed and asking if he could … Continue reading Inefficiency at its Best
No Excuses
It was a beautiful day, there was no excuse not to go out on bike and I was keen to get another few miles training in. 36 miles, a decent 1,913 ft of climbs which I managed although to say I managed them with ease would be a stretch to far. Soon I will have … Continue reading No Excuses
Clipless Pedalling
Five significant events contributed to my transformation from a novice to a serious cyclist. Learning the rules and etiquette of cycling as part of a group Changing from a hybrid bike to a road bike The use of clipless pedals The purchase of Castelli bib shorts and jersey Cycling the iconic 1,000 mile from Land's … Continue reading Clipless Pedalling
Endure or Enjoy?
Training for the Bike to Barcelona challenge has been ongoing throughout the winter period. Now, with only four months to go, it's time to ramp up the duration, the distances, the frequency and hopefully, the fun. Last week, in addition to indoor training, I cycled 40km through the gorgeous Gloucestershire countryside on a beautiful, near … Continue reading Endure or Enjoy?
From the Heart
Yesterday, I received a message from Ewan who is training hard for the Raid Alpine challenge. Despite being hundreds of miles from the other Cyclopaths and therefore having to do much of his training alone and with the added challenge of the harsh winter weather on the east coast of Scotland, his enthusiasm and enjoyment … Continue reading From the Heart
Feeling Competitive!
The Raid Alpine Club Leaderboard has brought out my competitive side! Changing daily, in response to the distances cycled, elevation gained and speed of those of us training for The Raid Alpine challenge in June. I wanted to share a snapshot of The Cyclopaths holding 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 4th place, just in case it … Continue reading Feeling Competitive!
A Fabulous Day
Cycling 86km with great company, lots of laughs, some wonderful sunshine (I'll not dwell on the gale force winds and cold temperatures of the way home), stunning views and I'm fitter and (a little) faster than ever before. https://videopress.com/v/D5TXZmeD?loop=true&preloadContent=metadata
Saturday’s ‘Sunday’ Cycle
We did our usual Sunday morning cycle on Saturday as the weather forecast was much more favourable! The Cyclists Jackie, Caroline, Al, Nigel, Roland & John Highlights Good company and the essential cake and coffee stop Beautiful countryside Amazing Wildlife We spent a few minutes watching Fallow Deer running across fields and at one point, … Continue reading Saturday’s ‘Sunday’ Cycle
Jolly Nice
A clear day when we left Cheltenham, by the time, we had cycled up Leckhampton Hill and out towards Winstone, the fog was setting in. It was lovely to meet up with John and Chris, two friends who we had cycled LEJOG with. LEJOG With Chris and John Under time pressure to get back, Roland … Continue reading Jolly Nice
NAD
In the medical world, amongst other things, NAD, means 'Nothing Abnormal Detected'. 'NAD' sums today up Beautifully: It was cold, wintery, foggy and wet out. NAD for January. Despite the weather, we cycled. NAD for The Cyclopaths. We cycled Ham Hill again. NAD, having cycled it three times this week already. We cycled 40km. NAD, … Continue reading NAD
Too Icy (For Some but Not All of Us)
Freezing over night but the sun shone brightly this morning, so I wrapped up warm in my cycling gear with high hopes. A few steps out onto the road and it was clearly still very icy. Despite my desire to cycle, my desire not to injure myself was stronger. Today's Results Miles Cycled - Nil … Continue reading Too Icy (For Some but Not All of Us)
Late Afternoon Sun
A late start for a fast, flat 40km. Too icy to head out this morning and certainly cold but beautiful sunset. Just a warm up for a longer, hillier ride tomorrow, with some Cyclopath friends.
Calm After The Storm
Yesterday threw gale force winds, relentless driving rain and cold temperatures our way all day and all night. I couldn't imagine being able to get out and cycle today. However, in true British weather style, the winds had passed, the rain had stopped and with true British stoicism, Roland and I ventured out for a … Continue reading Calm After The Storm
Sunday Morning
As is becoming a regular for a Sunday morning, I cycle up Leckhampton Hill to meet the Sunday morning cyclists at Cowley. It's lovely for Al, Caroline, Jackie, Ric and Nigel to welcome us into their well established Sunday morning group where Al plans a different but invariably hilly route each week, with the essential … Continue reading Sunday Morning
Challenging Times 
You must be logged in to post a comment.