Welcome back to the third post in my series recording my training for the inaugural RideLondon 100, taking place on 4 August.
That’s a disappointingly short 52 days away from now (as I write this, obviously).
If you want to read posts 1 and 2 in this sorry series, they can be found ici and aquí.
First let’s start with some stats
This is the second instalment in a series of posts recording the progress of my training towards RideLondon 100, the 100-mile cyclosportive taking place in and around London on 4 August.
My first training update can be found here.
As readers of this blog will know, my cycling prowess is very much at the lower end of the athletic range. As well as providing on-going motivation and accountability with regard to my own training ‘regime’, these updates aim to provide encouragement to other non-athletic types and those that struggle to balance training with everything else they have going on.
I have a very warm regard for my bike. As a Yorkshireman, that’s about as close a declaration of undying love you’re going to get. But it’s time to consider an upgrade (it’s always time to consider an upgrade!).
My bike has been with me for more than 8 years, since I snap-purchased it whilst my then-girlfriend (now wife) sought a heavy hybrid on which to commute (she still has it, but does not seem to have developed an emotional attachment).
Despite not knowing a thing about bikes (beyond what i had learnt as the proud owner of a Raleigh Mini Burner in the 1980s – red and black, since you ask), I made a wise lucky choice.
I am in pain. My knee is killing me. I’ll explain why in a bit.
The purpose of this post is to provide a bit more intelligence on the RideLondon route, specifically the two main climbs up Leith Hill and Box Hill.
You may have seen that I already wrote a post on the RideLondon route (if you didn’t, then you can read it here).
Readers of my blog will know that I talk a good game. I’ve talked about the cycling event that I’m doing. I’ve analysed the route. I’ve talked a bit about how I’ve broken the challenge down into its constituent parts.
But where, you might ask, is the evidence that I’ve actually DONE anything?
Motivation this, crippling fears that. That’s all fine, but we all need to train for whatever cycling challenge we are undertaking (well I do at least).
What training have I done? Well, I’m going to tell you. In this post. Perhaps the title gave it away.
It’s March and the weather is improving (supposedly).
You’re considering getting the bike out of the garage/shed/cupboard.
(What, you mean you haven’t spent the winter amassing base miles and doing interval sessions on the turbo trainer?)
Now that you’ve got the bike all ready to go, do you want a surefire way to avoid the ‘its slightly damp, I’ll stay inside’ attitude?
Of course you do.
And the good news is that it is can be achieved in 3 EASY STEPS:
As I contemplate the RideLondon 100, I have some concerns. Some of these concerns verge on being full-blown fears.
Maybe you’re in the same boat, as you look forward to RideLondon or another long distance sportive ride (if you haven’t done so, read my analysis of the RideLondon 100 route).
In this post, I will try to turn this general sense of disquiet into a specific set of concerns, each of which I can confront and prepare for. In doing so, not only will I allay my fears, but I will also identify those factors that will contribute to a strong performance (and maximum enjoyment) on the day.
An aggregation of marginal gains you say? If it’s good enough for Sir Dave of Brailsford….
I am now officially signed up to RideLondon. As I said in this post, I have a place to ride with Macmillan, the cancer support charity, on the proviso that I raise a lot of money for them.
The event (which is now called the Prudential RideLondon-Surrey 100) takes place on Sunday 4th August. This is a 163 days away, which starts to sound quite worrying.
So you will no doubt see plenty on this blog about my preparation for RideLondon (or RideLondon-Surrey 100 to give its full, rather catchy title).
After initially failing to secure a place in the ballot, I’ve been offered a place by Macmillan, the cancer support charity, to ride (and raise money) for them. I have a very strong personal reason for supporting this charity, which I’ll share in due course.
In the meantime, the purpose of this post was to ask a question (which may turn out to be rhetorical if no one responds). Please bear with me during the ‘set up’.
As the title suggests, this Saturday I went to the London Bike Show.
I had intended to cycle, but the ‘London Death Snow’ (translation for snow-familiar foreigners: a light dusting) put paid to that idea.
I was therefore unable to bask in the smug glow emanating from those attendees I saw dressed in full on commuting gear. I did however get to read a book in peace whilst travelling in on the train and tube – a rare treat.
So how was it?