Uncategorised – Page 8 – Just Keep Pedalling

22nd November 201523rd November 2015

N+2

It’s dawned on me that a significant number of my upcoming blog posts are likely to be about new kit that I’ve either bought or am trying out. I guess that’s too be expected really. With my eyes firmly set on the Trans-Continental in two years time, the current sabbatical from major events presents an ideal opportunity to experiment with ideas and equipment. Even I was surprised though by how a recent visit to William’s turned out. More on that later, first we need to catchup on the new road bike evaluation. Continue reading “N+2”

1st November 20151st November 2015

Not riding TCR (at least not yet)

Observant readers will notice that the bike above is not a Giant TCR Advanced. Events conspired against the planned test ride this week. The bike itself turned out to not be available due to a tumble by it’s owner – Daryn. Coincidentally (or maybe not) I woke up feeling pretty crap when the alarm went off and missed the Wednesday ride anyway. So no “possible new bike” review for this week.

Continue reading “Not riding TCR (at least not yet)”

21st October 201527th October 2015

Electric (N+1 Part 1)

The picture at the head of this post is not my new bike, at least not yet anyway. But it’s high on my shortlist, and one I’ve been itching to try out for ages. Having finally switched myself across to Look KEO pedals, including a proper cleat setup by my bike fitter (Spook at Daisyway Coaching), I was all set. Continue reading “Electric (N+1 Part 1)”

11th October 201518th October 2015

Gun Walk

I’ve gone through my pre-ride prep routine so many times it’s near automatic – so you’d think that getting ready for a 5km fun run with Ben would be a breeze. Not so. My needs were simple, small bottle to sip from whilst waiting for the start and after that the water tables would take care of the rest. But then of course there’s Ben. Continue reading “Gun Walk”

15th September 20159th October 2015

Mystic 8 Ball (aka Life After PBP)

Rather obviously my 51st birthday was a considerably quieter affair than last year’s raucous celebrations. In amongst this year’s carefully chosen gifts was one that has found a prominent space on my desk: the Mystic 8 Ball now resides under my monitor, close at hand to help out with all manner of day to day decisions. Continue reading “Mystic 8 Ball (aka Life After PBP)”

21st August 201512th March 2019

PBP – Epilogue

I forget which one of the Cape Randonneurs described the meal provided at the Arrivée as worthy of army canteen rations but the description was completely accurate. The chicken was bland and the pasta limp, but I ate it all the same. My body needed the fuel and I couldn’t be bothered to go out in the rain searching for something more palatable. Continue reading “PBP – Epilogue”

19th August 201512th March 2019

PBP Part 3 – Sleeper

00:30, 19 Aug – Loudéac, 780km

I woke before the alarms rang – in fact remarkably close to the original time of midnight to which they’d been set. It was still a solid 3.5 hours of decent sleep, and the shower had already worked it’s magic – leaning against the tiles, eyes closed whilst a torrent of hot water washed over me until I was something close to fully awake. Continue reading “PBP Part 3 – Sleeper”

18th August 201512th March 2019

PBP Part 2 – Slow Train To The Coast

00:00, 18 Aug – Loudéac, 448km

I can’t remember whether I opened it before going to sleep or after waking up but the card Yoli and Ben had made for me which read “Open at 1st drop bag” made me laugh so much I nearly wet myself. It was a real boost to the spirits. Continue reading “PBP Part 2 – Slow Train To The Coast”

16th August 201512th March 2019

PBP Part 1 – Overnight Express

19:30, 16 Aug – Saint-Quentin en Yvellines, 0km

By the time Peter and I lined up at the start a couple of my plans had already gone astray in minor ways. Despite a comfy hotel room, I had lain awake for the afternoon unable to sleep. And misjudging what would be open on a Sunday in a Parisian suburb had killed off my idea of starting with a baguette or two in my bag. Continue reading “PBP Part 1 – Overnight Express”

16th August 201512th March 2019

Hurry up and wait

So here we are at last, after three and a half years of dreaming the day is finally here – it’s the 16th August 2015 and the 18th edition of Paris-Brest-Paris starts today. Frankly, I cannot wait – not just because it’s been in my thoughts so long, but also because the last two days or so have been a steady processing of rushing from one place to another Continue reading “Hurry up and wait”