Its all over now

Well its all done. And a great adventure it was too. It’s difficult to express the enjoyment of riding a bike for four days through unknown lanes to those who don’t do it. I lost count of the number of times someone would ride up to me and comment on how much fun they were having. Just riding a bike.
Day 1, through Kent was the hardest, lots of relatively short, sharp hills. Each day was structured by an early start (7:00am mostly), drinks stop a couple of hours in, (a long) lunch, afternoon water stop and a sprint finish (for me). Day 1 I took relatively easy. Rode with Peaches and Mad Mackem out of London, then rode on with Mackem to the drinks stop (whilst Peaches proceeded to get lost, but picked up a new friend – big up Rich).
I started to notice a looseness in my headset (the bit that holds the handlebars on) and after the lunch stop (we seemed to arrive for lunch an hour early every day, making for a long break) it got noticeably worse. The support guys had a look and managed to stiffen it, but advised finding a bike shop in Calais to have it replaced.
So after an uneventful, ferry crossing, getting to know new friends and a good night’s sleep, I sprinted off the front of the bunch on day 2 to find the bike shop in Andres 20km south of Calais. My own personal time trial (20km 38 minutes) brought me to the shop 20 minutes before it opened. By the time it did the bunch had caught me and Peaches, Mackerel (thanks to predictive text), Rich and Brian kindly waited with me whilst the bearings were replaced (for €10!). The bike shop was a dream with a chance to savour lots of stuff made from carbon, French jerseys and general bike porn.
It was a happy rouleur that pedalled away from there. Nothing much else on day 2 except a sprint to the finish in Arras, which is a lovely town.

Day 3 brought another early start, more fabulous roads and jaw dropping countryside and very high pace enjoyed by our new gruppetto enhanced by the Macmillan twins (Andy and Mark) and the Shropshire lads, Ben and Nick. At one point 6 of us in line hit 56kph (~35mph) on the flat! Followed by a race downhill to a town (who’s name escapes me). By the time we stopped at traffic lights we were all grinning, chattering excitedly and generally pumped on adrenaline. Definitely the highlight of the tour. On day 3 we passed many war graves, stopping at a coupe for quiet contemplation. These men died for us to be able to do things like this. I have no words to describe their sacrifice.
Day 4 was bitty. We only covered 105km, but an early start meant there was no need to rush so we had leisurely breaks and even a café stop en route to Paris. A huge downpour engulfed us on the Parisien outskirts but couldn’t damped spirits despite Rich puncturing (and me ignoring him, having misunderstood his hand gestures). We gathered in Parc Monceau with a couple of miles to go. Sure enough our group was first in and 90 minutes waiting for the rest to catch up only resulted in me finding I had a puncture. So I held up the whole group whilst it was fixed,
Arrival at the Eiffel tower was emotional. Beth was there to meet me and we both shed a quiet tear in deference to Tom and the reason we were there.
Peaches, Beth, Leanne and myself took 24 hours to celebrate in Paris.
Nearly £2500 raised.

Lots of pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11586362@N04/sets/72157620481336478/

Job done. Thanks to everyone who helped.

gabba gabba hey!

last minute hitches. It seems Peaches' tyre problem is systemic and the Schwalbe ultremo is prone to catastrophic failure. Schwalbe customer service suggested we both remove our tyres and replace them at their expense, which is indicative of how serious they think it is. Now, I've hit 76kph plus on those tyres, I dread to think what might have happened if, as they said, they split like a banana along the seam, at that speed. Shudder. Anyway, we're both now newly shod in Michelin Pro3 tyres, French tyres for a French odyssey I guess. Thanks to Peaches for doing the running around and getting the replacements.

A final thought from thewashingmachine post, show a little friendship..http://www.thewashingmachinepost.net//



Don't forget to follow me on Twitter (assuming my phone can get roaming internet access)- chakkchimp

endgame

Glorious weather today, so I took a final 20km spin (38 minutes!) to check the bike was OK before the off (and to check I hadn't ruined 4 weeks of abstinence with a relatively boozy weekend). Got back to find the mad Mackem had been out on a long fast ride with the Kenilworth boys and Peaches had ridden over to Rugby but on his return his back tyre was fit to pop. So he's off to get new tyres ahead of le depart. I checked mine, because we bought them together, but mine seem OK. Mechanicals I can do without thanks.

I've packed today so I'm pretty much set. I won't be blogging while I'm away but I will be Twittering, you can follow me as @chakkchimp on Twitter http://www.twitter.com. I recommend Tweetdeck for managing tweets http://www.tweetdeck.com, the native Twitter site I find a little cumbersome. I suspect most of my tweets will say "just climbed another hill,, shattered" or somesuch. Tune in to find out.

I also got another £50 sponsorship (word up Mark Dunn), but paid in underlay, which I need to translate to cash. I also finally got the check from Waitrose for £400, a big thanks to Ganny for organising that.

nearly there

despite taking a week off to rest ahead of le depart I couldn't resist a session in the gym yesterday. Mainly weights but also some rowing but consciously avoided straining my legs, I'm in London today and took time out to drool over the hardware in Condor Cycles, oh for a lottery win to fund a spending spree in there.

Last night I took my bike down from its perch on the wall and gave it a good clean and oil ready for the off. If i can find time I'll do a short spin to check its all in working order at the weekend. Then its focus on the met weather forecasts and pack my bags. I'm really looking forward to it now.

T'is done

Last training session today, spin with Tony. I've just been reviewing my training profile which doesn't have the nice 45 degree line to a peak that I'd hoped for, largely due to the constraints imposed on training by Beth's Uni work (she's currently doing three 12 hour days per week, plus an hour travelling at each end, ouch! Cycling to Paris is a breeze by comparison) and also the DGB (Dreaded Gastro Bug) which wiped out my Bank holiday weekend.

Here's the summary and a profile of distance (with avg HR overlaid)for the last 12 weeks (click on the image to enlarge)

and calories burned per session:

You can clearly see the gap from the DGB and a disappointingly incoherent pattern which reflects the lifestyle of someone fitting training around life rather than vice versa (which I suspect is what Mark Cavendish and Lance Armstrong do). I'm pretty confident I've done enough but I think these graphs illustrate the challenge really of taking on this kind of 4 day ride. Its not that it can't be done, I'm sure anyone with enough time and enthusiasm could get there, its more about having the focus and desire to make it happen with the time and tools available. I know I'm not alone in struggling to train as often as I would like. I feel fitter than when I started LEJOG which gives me comfort. I am really looking forward to le depart now. Peaches, Mad Mackem and I got together with partners on Saturday to talk plans. I think we're all set. Talking of focus there's nearly £2500 in the sponsorship pot now which is all the motivation I need. That's £5 per kilometre. Thank you to everyone who has supported me (and Beth). Its not too late however http://www.justgiving.com/craigmorrisfsid

Boys keep swinging

A funny few days. Gym Wednesday, Thursday nothing, but cycled to work, Friday 50km in the rain (& got soaked despite the new Rain Face jacket), Saturday declined another wet ride and did a big session in the gym instead.

Friday's stats:
Duration 01:44:29
Calories 1251 kcal
Distance49.8 km
Average HR 139 bpm
Maximum HR 164 bpm

Friday evening was quite bright when I set off. I didn't really have a plan but avoided Warwick town centre traffic thinking it would be busy at 6pm, so I went up Rouncil lane, then turned towards Pinley Green, not a road I follow much. This took me all the way out to Lowsonford where the rain started (22hours later as I type, it's still falling). I got a bit lost around Preston Bagot and started heading back on myself. By the time I'd realised my mistake I'd done 30km so thought I'd just head back the way I came as my feet were already soaked and cold and the Race Face shower proof was soaked through (looks great though!). So back into Lowsonford but returned through Shrewley to add some variety. 50km by the time I got home in 1:44, which given the weather and the fact that it's Warwick Council resurface the roads with loose grit season which is a) lethal to cyclists because it piles up into loose banks b) dangerous because cars kick it up and c) horrid to ride on because of its rolling resistance, I was pretty pleased with.

Saturday was forecast heavy rain all day, so having tested myself Friday evening, the planned 100km with Peaches and Ed was ditched in favour of a heavy gym session (3000m row, 12 minutes; 30 minutes bike reps; weights and stretches):
Duration 00:57:53
Calories 682 kcal
Average HR 138 bpm
Maximum HR 163 bpm

I can feel the aches as I type. 10 days to go and no real plans for much more training now. I'll try and get to spin on Monday and that's pretty much it until the off. Excitement rises.

Hold on to your friends

A quick bloglette to say thank you to everyone at the The Vale pub in Coventry who took part in the pub quizzes organised by Rich King, to raise £150 for FSID. Many thanks to you all, if anyone reading this is around Nod Rise please pop in and have a pint with the regulars and say hello from me. If anyone else wants to follow their lead you can do so here: http://www.justgiving.com/craigmorrisfsid




This time in two weeks, I should be well in to Kent on the way to Dover, wish me luck!

king of pain

The indigenous English wildlife was out in force on Sunday. Ed and I passed a field full of Llamas (Alpacas? is there a difference?) in rural Warwickshire. Another glorious day, perfect for cycling, even the strong breeze (which taunted us whichever way we went) couldn't dampen my spirits. Another 40km logged over a reasonably hilly route.

Monday I went to spin for the first time in a month, but 4 days back on the bike after 11 days off took its toll and there wasn't much left in my legs. My efforts seem paltry after reading Mick Rogers' tweet: "This years Giro has been the fastest in it's 100 year history. So far we have 3439 km @ at average of 40.1 km/h. First time ever over 40km/h"
and that was before the final day's time trial!

Race face

25km Thursday, 25km over same route Friday (5 minutes slower with Half Mile) and 40km Saturday have got me well and truly back in the saddle. Hopefully I'll get another 40km in today in the sunshine. Yesterday i was due to ride with Peaches and Half Mile, but some confusion meant we got separated about 200m into the ride. I ended up going solo, but that worked out OK because I was able to go at my own pace. I was pleased with 82 minutes in stunning sunshine.

I also finally got a refund from Winstanley's, after a call to trading standards and a threatening letter. They were very ungracious, but you live and learn. I won't buy from them again and if you're reading this I would advise you to avoid them. I got lucky and bought a Race Face jacket from reliable old Chainreactioncycles handily reduced to £31 (). The zip's better and I already have a Race Face jacket that I've been very pleased with, which I use every day for commuting. Should've stuck with what I know.

@last

At last I felt up to moving. It felt great to be out on the bike again. I'm not 100% still, but managed a respectable hour. Now to pick up where I left off before le depart on 17th June.

Duration 00:56:15
Calories 660 kcal
Distance 25.2 km
Average HR 138 bpm
Maximum HR 159 bpm

Gastric enteritis

It seems I have Gastric enteritis. There's a lot about apparently. 10 days now without training. With less than 3 weeks to go, that's quite worrying. Every day I think, tomorrow, I'll get out. But I'm not eating so I have no energy and would probably set myself back if I tried.

Winstanley's Bikes - shockingly bad service - avoid

I sent the jacket back to Winstanley's and received an email from them asking me to call (why didn't they ring me on either of the two contact numbers they have?) When I did ring they told me the jacket would have to go back to the manufacturer to be checked that the fault was their's and not mine.

Now, legal positions aside most shops and particularly on-line retailers offer no quibble returns these days. I wasn't after a refund only a replacement (partly because I felt guilty that I'd got it dirty). Winstanley's would rather take an assumption of guilt on my part, even though they agreed the product was faulty they seemed to think I had broken it. Now, how do you break a zip and even if I did, if it breaks on first wearing can that really be my fault?

Anyway they told me ten days before I'd hear anything, but they still have my money. terrible customer service. Avoid Winstanley's at all costs.

To further darken my mood, this stomach bug shows no signs of shifting so I'm still laid up off the bike and the weather is tortuously glorious. I have ridden vicariously though by catching up on old episodes of the Bike show on Resonance FM via their podcast. Check it out, it's cool . http://thebikeshow.net/

Still ill

Thursday I was struck down by an evil D&V bug which has knocked me off my feet completely and pretty much trashed my plans for training over the bank holiday. The way I feel at the moment I can't see me getting on a bike for a while, yet this was supposed to be my peak training weeekend before a slow tail to the off in 3 weeks.

Bugger

Sunday's Banbury ride in the Tempest:

Duration 02:45:05
Calories 1972 kcal
Distance 72.3 km
Average HR 139 bpm
Maximum HR 169 bpm
Duration 02:45:05
Calories 1972 kcal
Distance 72.3 km
Average HR
139 bpm
Maximum HR
169 bpm

Monday - missed spin, I seem to be so busy at work I'll be glad to take 4 days off to cycle 100 miles a day! did a session on the static bike anyway:

Duration 00:32:30
Calories 334 kcal
Average HR 128 bpm
Maximum HR 152 bpm

Burn rubber on me

No training this week due to work and other commitments so I have made an effort to cycle to work. Thursday I had to leave early to pick Imogen up from school and get her to the doctors for an appointment. Needless to say I got held up, charged out of work and jumped on the fixie to get me there. Now, of course, the fixie will only go as fast as your legs will turn the pedals and hence wheels. I steamed along Myton road, wearing my crisp new Castelli stowaway rain jacket against the light drizzle, only to hit a pot hole, stop pedalling (never a good idea on a fixed wheel bike), jump the chain off, wrap it round the crank which locked the pedals and thus the back wheel and hauled me to a spectacular stop outside Myton School, in a cloud of burning rubber. Much to the amusement of a waiting teenager. To make matters worse, in my haste to re-mount the chain and get to school on time, as I leant over my bag fell off my shoulder, I instinctively reached up to put it back on only to leave a big oily handprint on the shoulder. I reckon I’d worn it for 5 minutes before ruining it.

Friday I got a soaking on the way home which made for another high speed sprint. Saturday I managed an hour in the gym thanks to Beth finishing work early and Sunday I looked forward to a reasonably big ride.
The forecast was for a strong southerly wind, with heavy rain at 10:00 (I know but the Met really are that precise: http://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/uk/wm/warwick_forecast_weather.html). Sure enough at 9:48 (I was travelling south towards it) the heavens opened. Imagine my smug face as I whipped out my castelli from my back pocket and snuck it on over the Rapha winter top. See how my face turned to despair as the showerproof nature of said top proved woefully inadequate for the raging tempest which followed. At one point I was desperate for shelter, the rain and wind hammering me, but just outside Banbury I was on open moorland with nothing in sight to hide behind, so onward I sped. Actually I thoroughly enjoyed the man against nature manner of the battle and although cold and soaked I didn’t mind although the warmth of the sun was welcome as I rode towards Stratford upon Avon. It was only as I stopped to take a bite to eat and put my feet down that I realised how cold. I’d not thought to put overshoes on and my feet were numb. To make matters worse the zip on the Castelli was stuck fast, to the extent that I pulled the tab off the zipper and had to struggle to get it over my head when I got home. So that’ll be going back to Winstanley’s. I hope they accept it with an oil stain and mud spatterings all over the back.

The deer didn't seem to mind

Got my mojo working

No plans to ride Saturday because we were painting the front door (well Beth was whilst I watched Cav sweep up the pink jersey in the Giro’s opening team time trial), so I did a big session in the gym on Friday followed by a plan to do a big ride Sunday.
Sadly by the time I got out on Sunday (~10:00) I felt lethargic and couldn't get my mojo. I did wear my pink rapha top in deference to Cav being the first Briton (ever!) to wear the maglia rosa. Maybe it was a late night Saturday or the few beers that I sank but I didn’t feel like I had any energy. I haven’t been drinking much lately, pretty much only Saturday nights and then a couple of glasses of wine, so I’m guessing it was the beer dragging me down. Over Loxley hill and I didn’t fancy the long climb out of Ilmington to Chipping Campden, my destination, so I contemplated another route, but once I realised it would take me into the slight breeze that there was I carried on with my original plan.
My concession was to vary the route of my ascent over Campden hill, normally I take the gated road which has a steep and barely manageable climb but today I took the “main” road if it can be called that, reasoning that it would be more gentle. It was only after a kilometre of steep climbing that I realised that this road took me over a different, bigger hill. After the initial cliff face the gradient did tail off before a big kick at the end rewarded by a great descent.

One reason I came this way was to challenge myself on the descent from Dover’s hill. It’s very steep and fast with a couple of sharp bends and always scares me silly (see pic). I recall the first time I climbed to the top thinking that the climb was a disappointment. I have no idea why because ever since I have struggled up to the viewpoint, across the vale of Evesham, at its summit. Anyway the descent beat me again, proving that a) I’m not as brave as I like to think I am b) I need new brake blocks.
No real issues on the way back although I was shattered when I got home, but an hour and an ice cream in the park with Mo and Beth kept the smile on my face.
My HR monitor threw a benny and recorded a max HR of 220, which, as my theoretical max HR is 175, would probably kill me, other stats:
Duration
03:16:28
Calories
2365 kcal
Distance
86.1 km

Sunday night I slept badly due to aching legs. When I exercise hard its like my muscles can’t relax and they fit through the night keeping me (and Beth) awake. I’ve tried all sorts to calm them but with no joy and it seems a bit random, I don’t always get it. Massage, hot bath, cold bath, alcohol, no alcohol, no caffeine etc Any suggestions welcome!
Monday, despite my aching legs I did a quick Beausale loop hoping to beat my recent 53:46 but a strong wind and some fatigue kept me at 53:45, not bad given the weather.
Duration
00:53:45
Calories
621 kcal
Distance
25.1 km

Average HR
136 bpm
Maximum HR
156 bpm

Tuesday a day of rest and back on my bike to work on Wednesday. 5 weeks to go, I’m not as confident as I have been but bring it on.

money money money

the great news is that thanks to Beth's mom's influence, Waitrose Kenilworth have donated £400 taking me through the £2k barrier! Also, as if I didn't owe my parents enough they have, with enormous generosity, offered to cover my expenses whilst travelling, instead of sponsoring me directly, which is a huge weight off my shoulders. That's in addition to the jar of coins they've been saving since I rode LEJoG.

Thanks to everyone again for support. you can sponsor me here: http://www.justgiving.com/craigmorrisfsid

So much things to say right now

I took advantage of the long bank holiday weekend to get some serious training in. Friday evening 25km with Edward, Saturday 50km time trial (01:42:44 whoo hoo!), Sunday 75km with Edward and Monday I had planned 100km, but after riding to my parents in Birmingham and planning a long route back, I was tired, wet and cold so I bailed at 70km. (and also because I'd spent all weekend on the bike and wanted to see the kids. 10 pin Bowling was more fun than a wet bike ride anyway)

So 220km in 4 days and by the time I finished it hurt. As I write, on Tuesday, my legs are sore, so heaven knows what they'll be like after consecutive 125km/150km/95km/115km days to Paris.

The really good news is that I put some new tyres on my bike on Friday and can honestly say (subjectively) that they've added 5% - 10% to my speed. Incredible. 45g each lighter than my previous Continental GP400S, Schwalbe Ultremo R (http://www.bikeradar.com/gear/category/components/tyres/product/ultremo-tyres-23173) is the way forward. Peaches also bought a pair so hopefully he'll see the difference too. Let's hope the ceramic puncture protection lives up to its billing.

Despite the slight setback I'm feeling fit and strong and confident at the moment. 6 weeks to go, I just need to stay focused and find time to keep training. Remember you can sponsor me here:http://www.justgiving.com/craigmorrisfsid

Road trippin'

Saw Mad Mackem today at the school gate, made the mistake of boasting I did 110km on Sunday, the conversation went something like:

Mark "110km? I did 147 with Brummie Dave"
Craig "147km, that's a good shout"
Mark "no, miles"
Craig "220km! F*** me!"
Mark "in 8 hours"

Exit Craig left

As Peaches said. Humbled.

Here comes the rain

Friday evening, Beth and I completed the Beausale loop, her first experience of clipped in road riding. And she did remarkably well. I paced her on the fixie and she was understandably nervous of the traffic, it does take some getting used to, but she made the 20km without issue and it looks like many rides will follow.
On Saturday I rose early and stepped out of the house for a quick blast at 07:30. We were due to spend the day at an FSID (http://www.fsid.org.uk) family day at Stratford Butterfly Farm and then I wanted to get back to watch the football, so it was an early start or nothing at all. The sky was clear, but there were dark clouds on the horizon. Keen to get going I resisted going back for any wet weather gear. Five minutes in, through Warwick, the first rain drops landed cold and hard on my top lip and within another 5 minutes I was pretty well soaked. It didn’t seem worth turning round, although the thought of all that wet weather specific gear, overshoes, waterproofs, tights sitting at home in the wardrobe did grate.
I’d planned a 40km loop out through Stratford upon Avon which of course took me through the storm and then returned me back in to it, only clearing as I pulled into the car park at home. I returned thoroughly drenched, but happy, to a house framed by clear blue sky. Which is the way it stayed for the rest of the day. Don’t you just love English weather?

Duration 01:30:47
Calories 1079 kcal
Distance42 km
Average HR 139 bpm
Maximum HR166 bpm

Sunday I hadn’t planned a long ride, but I left the house under a cloud (metaphorical this time) and hoped the space would help to clear my head. I headed out over Burton Dassett and across to Canon’s Ashby (see pic) where I re-filled my water bottles in the café. I then headed on across Helidon, Flecknoe, Grandborough and home. 4 hours and 110km later. The ride did indeed cheer me up with the exception of one other dark cloud. At one point, just past Cropredy, I had to traverse a busy road, my route took me along it for 100m or so, before I turned right onto a lane. As the traffic was heavy I waited at the kerbside for a break before crossing (as I was taught at school). Whilst waiting out of the way of the traffic at the roadside the occupants of a passing car took the opportunity to slow down and call me a “cycling c*nt”. What kind of society makes people think they can be so abusive to innocent strangers?
Two minutes later whilst still mulling this over, a white van (what else?) pulled out of a side road in front of me. Not particularly dangerous but he should have given way. As should the bloke in the Subaru who followed, causing me to brake hard to avoid ploughing into the side of his car. I was too shocked and despondent to react.
In contrast however the weather was perfect for cycling, cool, sunny, a gentle breeze and generally great to be out.

Duration 04:04:04
Calories 2752 kcal
Distance108.6 km
Average HR 134 bpm
Maximum HR 167 bpm

Monday spin class, with Beth, and now a couple of days rest (if only because our washing machine broke so I can’t wash any lycra).
7 weeks to go and I feel fitter (and more experienced) than when I started LEJoG so I’m confident at the moment that I’m well on target. In the next couple of weeks I should clock up my 10 000th km on my trusty Scott S20 which will be something to celebrate.