Route completed

At last, I (Steve) have managed to complete the route plan. A total of 1051.6 miles and a trip over to the Isle of Arran thrown in too. (See route on left hand side of this page).
Had a day off the bike today as I promised Charlie that I would watch some of his rugby tournament, playing for the school. I didn't stay for the whole thing, which seemed to go on and on. But he ended up captaining his team to win the tournament and they will now go on to Twickenham to represent Lancashire (so he tells me). Well done Charlie, even though it was using the wrong shaped ball this time.
Hoping to get a decent ride in tomorrow with the club.

Gorgeous weather

I (Kev) was chomping at the bit to get out on my bike this weekend, stunning early Spring sunshine. Had a busy day on Saturday so unfortunately was unable to continue with the training, Still, Sunday`s forecast was much the same as Saturday, so plan was for me to get out with the Club early Sunday Morning. Alarm woke me at 7.30 am, I woke feeling like s**t, really tired, aching limbs, sore head. Grrrrr
Eventually crawled out of bed about 9.00 looked out of the window, wow, what a gorgeous day. had a quick shower, then a decent breakfast, with 2 cups of strong coffee, which made me feel a little better.
Could`nt mope around the house any longer, thought stuff it, i`ll get the bike out and just see how far my legs would take me. I managed to do 61 miles! not particularly fast, but glad I pushed myself. As a result of my efforts yesterday, today I feel like I have been trampled on by a herd of Cows. Actually I did meet one on my ride. Made me think of a very rare fillet steak, home made chips and a pepper sauce!!!

Two glorious days of weather

I (Steve) went out to Aintree racecourse to the first race of the new season, The Eddie Soens. Have been to it several times and with knowledge of previous experiences, took lots of layers. But found the warmest Soens that I can ever remember. Our Amelia joined me and really got into it all, even asking how she may get into racing. Two of the club lads were racing and did really well, finishing it the main group. Considering they were riding on the company of Sky riders, Olympic games medalists etc.... they did brilliantly.
Got back home around midday and decided on a swift 30 miler with a few hills thrown in. Hammered it and got my average speed up, so beginning to feel like I am making progress.
Today I have been out with the club and it was quite cold early on, even though oit was bright. Steve Charlton led us out and straight into Ashurst Beacon, followed by Apply Bridge, Chorley, Charnock Richard, onto Bretherton etc... through Croston and really stepped on the gas for a good ten miles before the cafe stop. Clocked 50 miles today, but the average speeds have shot up to 16.5mph, all good prep for the big ride, which is creeping ever closer. Was considering a longer ride with the A group, who headed for The Trough of Boland, but had to be back for the blues 4pm kick off. It was well worth it with a great performance rounding off a decent weekend. Hope to get out in the week for a few hours, as the light nights are creeping up. It's onto planning the route from day 7 onwards and then quickly booking accomodation, planning advertising, equipment, nutritional products logistics etc... There are not enough hours in a day at the moment. (Can you spot our Mill and I next to the British Cycling bus?)

Hurrah, the cavalry have arrived.......

Well just the one cavalier actually, El's Mum has come down for two weeks to help us adjust to life with our little addition. Dot (El's Mum), El, Ava, Eze and myself (in that order as it happens) are all doing well....BUT with the arrival of Dot I can now get back to training for our little end2end trip, even though it is still on the Turbo Trainer. Can't go too far just yet and the roads around central London are so poor you really do need to ride out into the green belt to get a decent ride, that or Richmond Park again and even that is an hour away. So today and a couple of times earlier this week I've been on the CycleOps. 2 hours today, but no real idea how far or what speed but it feels like a decent ish pace and it really feels like it is doing me some good. It's better than doing nothing that's for sure. Still I feel like I'm miles away from where you guys are in terms of road miles and I guess I'll never truly catch up so I'll just have to do as much as I can. One thing about the Turbo Trainer though is that yes it's not like riding on the road at all BUT I reckon it's great for a little weight loss. Ava still thinks it's hilarious her daddy going nowhere fast in the kitchen on a bike that doesn't move...she just laughs at me.....I guess it's something I'll have to get used to and at least she is still too young to be embarrassed by me....that's still to come....and boy will I get my own back then. Happy Days. COYB.