Hi Everyone,
I've put together a video that I hope will show you a little of our ride and fun that we had doing it.
Thanks to Phil and Liam from the softbodies (http://www.myspace.com/thesoftbodies) for letting us use their instumental version of Second Hand Melody.
We'll keep you posted with the money total in the next couple of weeks.
Cheers, Rich
Sunday, 31 August 2008
Friday, 22 August 2008
Mud, Sweat and Gears
Well, that ride is probably the hardest thing, physically, that I've ever done in my life. However, it is a rewarding feeling to know that myself and the other 5 put ourselves through it and succeeded. I couldn't have done it without their support... and a big thank you to Jonny for supporting us by driving round after us, carrying our stuff and generally being there when we needed him.
And finally a huge thank you to all of you who have so generously donated to such a worthy cause - I salute you!
Cheers,
Jim (James)
Tuesday, 19 August 2008
Thanks to Everyone
Hello everyone,
After a couple of days I think that I'm just beginning to feel normal again. The thighs have stopped burning and the lower regions have stopped hurting!
All three days of the ride were absolutely amazing, we saw some beautiful places, had plenty of laughs and hopefully raised a wad of cash for Macmillans. So, if you put some money in then thanks a lot, all of us have been touched by the generosity shown by our friends and families.
You couldn't ask for a better bunch of lads to accompany you on a ride like this than Carl, Doug, Jim, Pete, Steve and Jonny. Always joking and messing about. I think at one point, on the peak near Allenheads, Steve and I were crying with hysterical laughter as we were pelted by stinging, cold rain and ridiculous high winds.
I'll post a video in a couple of weeks when I've put it together so keep looking.
I'm off for a beer on the balcony. Ooh! Did I mention I was in Spain in 40 degree loveliness? It's a long way from Allenheads.
Rich
After a couple of days I think that I'm just beginning to feel normal again. The thighs have stopped burning and the lower regions have stopped hurting!
All three days of the ride were absolutely amazing, we saw some beautiful places, had plenty of laughs and hopefully raised a wad of cash for Macmillans. So, if you put some money in then thanks a lot, all of us have been touched by the generosity shown by our friends and families.
You couldn't ask for a better bunch of lads to accompany you on a ride like this than Carl, Doug, Jim, Pete, Steve and Jonny. Always joking and messing about. I think at one point, on the peak near Allenheads, Steve and I were crying with hysterical laughter as we were pelted by stinging, cold rain and ridiculous high winds.
I'll post a video in a couple of weeks when I've put it together so keep looking.
I'm off for a beer on the balcony. Ooh! Did I mention I was in Spain in 40 degree loveliness? It's a long way from Allenheads.
Rich
Sleep ... Bath.....Bed.
Well I was dropped off yesterday outside my house with bin bag's full of wet, muddy and smelly gear plus a bike that looked like it had been spray painted brown, I was greeted by a banner in my office window saying 'WELL DONE DADDY' and balloons in the others, making it all worth while.
I intended on grabbing a quick bite then catching up on the Olympics but as soon as I sat down I fell asleep for 2 hours, Bec and Hol's came home for big cuddles, some tea then in bed by 10.30.
I have to say that was the hardest thing I have done in a very, very long time, and if I had attempted it on my own no dought would have failed on the first day.
I have to say a big thank you to my fellow cyclists who spured me on and made the hell of parts of the journey bearable and possibly enjoyable, also when the going got easyer and we had the privilege of looking around and seeing what a fantastic part of the country we were in, made it better by good company and friendly banter.
Also a big thank you to Johnny 'the blogger' Whitwam for blogging, driving,and generally supporting us all with food, water and as it turned out invaluable technical assistance as the punctures, failing brakes, pedals hanging off could have put a stop to the ride at any point.
A big kiss to my 2 girls on big one small both off which were in my mind while slogging into a gail with driving rain at the top of yet another climb.
But most of all the biggest 'THANK YOU!!!' must go to you the people who have put there hands into there pockets to raise some money for a invaluable charity, and it means a lot to us.
Keep watching as there are loads more pic's, video's and blog's to come, Rich will be doing his 'Speilberg' magic on the video and hopefully there will be something available in a few weeks.
So in conclusion THANKS to everyone involved and those who have enjoyed reading about our pain and haven't parted with a penny....... come on a £5 isn't going to kill you, you would spend more than that getting a couple of drinks on a Saturday night, and this money WILL change someones life!!!!!
I intended on grabbing a quick bite then catching up on the Olympics but as soon as I sat down I fell asleep for 2 hours, Bec and Hol's came home for big cuddles, some tea then in bed by 10.30.
I have to say that was the hardest thing I have done in a very, very long time, and if I had attempted it on my own no dought would have failed on the first day.
I have to say a big thank you to my fellow cyclists who spured me on and made the hell of parts of the journey bearable and possibly enjoyable, also when the going got easyer and we had the privilege of looking around and seeing what a fantastic part of the country we were in, made it better by good company and friendly banter.
Also a big thank you to Johnny 'the blogger' Whitwam for blogging, driving,and generally supporting us all with food, water and as it turned out invaluable technical assistance as the punctures, failing brakes, pedals hanging off could have put a stop to the ride at any point.
A big kiss to my 2 girls on big one small both off which were in my mind while slogging into a gail with driving rain at the top of yet another climb.
But most of all the biggest 'THANK YOU!!!' must go to you the people who have put there hands into there pockets to raise some money for a invaluable charity, and it means a lot to us.
Keep watching as there are loads more pic's, video's and blog's to come, Rich will be doing his 'Speilberg' magic on the video and hopefully there will be something available in a few weeks.
So in conclusion THANKS to everyone involved and those who have enjoyed reading about our pain and haven't parted with a penny....... come on a £5 isn't going to kill you, you would spend more than that getting a couple of drinks on a Saturday night, and this money WILL change someones life!!!!!
We are all alive
Hi.. Just a quick note to say we finished on Sunday in Sunderland and the reason the blog hasn't been updated since is that we had a few punctures on the last day which put us a little behind schedule and we went straight to the pub when we finished then to Newcastle and onto further pubs until we dropped (almost literally).
Monday morning travelling back saw a few sore heads as well as a few sore legs and I am guessing everyone spend most of yesterday sleeping and having hot baths.
All the videos and pics are being collated and I am sure Jon will post a few pics of us at the finish line soon before we get the full montage vid is completed.
As for me, I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thankyou to all those who sponsored us - it means alot, to the rest of the lads on the ride who were an excellent laugh throughout, to Jon for being the DSV and photographer / vid man - good man and to Luce who put up with my training and me being away for over 4 days
This was one of the hardest things I have had to do both physically and emotionally and I am proud to have completed it and for the money raised to be going to such a good cause who have helped my family alot in the last year or so. So thanks again to all.
Here's to something alot easier next year... ..Ste (or Steve or Till or Tilly or whatever you know me by)
Monday morning travelling back saw a few sore heads as well as a few sore legs and I am guessing everyone spend most of yesterday sleeping and having hot baths.
All the videos and pics are being collated and I am sure Jon will post a few pics of us at the finish line soon before we get the full montage vid is completed.
As for me, I would like to take this opportunity to say a big thankyou to all those who sponsored us - it means alot, to the rest of the lads on the ride who were an excellent laugh throughout, to Jon for being the DSV and photographer / vid man - good man and to Luce who put up with my training and me being away for over 4 days
This was one of the hardest things I have had to do both physically and emotionally and I am proud to have completed it and for the money raised to be going to such a good cause who have helped my family alot in the last year or so. So thanks again to all.
Here's to something alot easier next year... ..Ste (or Steve or Till or Tilly or whatever you know me by)
Monday, 18 August 2008
Final Day - Part 2
The final slog
The lads left their designated start point (Lat 54º48’26”N /Long 2º17’22”W - link) at 9:23 on Sunday morning, following breakfast at the Cumberland Hotel in Alston. The weather was grim! Fog/wind and a fairly consistent light rain (you know the type – the one that soaks you fairly quickly), which quickly (within a few minutes) had turned to a fairly heavy driving rain. Not nice, at all!
There was a nice fast downhill section into Allenheads, which was quickly followed by a fairly grim and steep ascent up towards Currick, and the Northumbria/County Durham border.
The weather was even worse up there!
The route from Rookhope Village was by two separate routes, on-road or off-road. The chaps decided on the latter, which was to take them across Stanhope Common and Edmondbyers Common, which is an area of moorland that is bisected by the B6278 Road form Stanhope to Consett. Unfortunately, due to a navigation faux-pas (not really helped by the fact that the Sustrans route map is not detailed enough at certain points), the on-road route was taken, which took the lads via Eastgate and Stanhope, up some seriously-steep road sections. At this point the weather was horrendous, with strong winds and constant heavy and driving rain.
At Parkhead, the route crosses th B6278 onto the “Waskerley Way” for the drop down into Consett. The weather at Parkhead was abysmal! The lads made a brief stop at the café at Parkhead, before setting off on the “Waskerley Way” proper. The route took the lads over the moor and down into Consett. It was on this section that Carl had a blow-out on his rear tyre. The lads stopped at this point to make some running repairs to Carl’s steed, and then met up with myself just to the west of Consett, at the car park at Rowley.
Here, a new tyre was also fitted, but this had caused quite a delay in the route.
After a brief stop for some lunch in Consett, the lads set off for the final 24 mile section into Sunderland.
This took the lads past various places, including Annfield Plain (not quite Anfield, but near enough for the Liverpool supporters amongst us), Stanley and No Place (did someone suggest a soundtrack of “Road to Nowhere”?).
Unfortunately. This part of the route was heavily littered with shards of glass, which led to two punctures for Pete in quick succession. Luckily, his tyres turned out not to be of the tubeless variety, and so running-repairs were possible.
As the route led the lads along the river into Sunderland, they went past the Penshaw Monument,
and on past the Stadium of Light, before leading them around the marina in Sunderland/Roker,
and to the official C2C Stamping Station, and the plaque indicating the end of the route.
Job Done!
The lads finally completed the C2C in Sunderland at approximately 18:15 on Sunday (17th August), having ridden the approximately 142 miles from Workington.
Obviously pleased at their achievement, the guys made their way to the beach between the two jetties to perform the traditional dipping of the front wheels in the North Sea.
Unfortunately, in a moment of madness, Rich decided to drive full-tilt into the surf, which swamped his bike, although I believe he really enjoyed it (looking at the expression on his face)
I'm sure I speak for all of the lads when I say we'd like to thank you for sponsoring & donating over £1100 (currently) via the Justgiving site
And on a personal note, I'd like to say a big "Well Done" to all 6 of the lads - A great achievement! I'm proud to have been associated with the whole event.
Jon
The lads left their designated start point (Lat 54º48’26”N /Long 2º17’22”W - link) at 9:23 on Sunday morning, following breakfast at the Cumberland Hotel in Alston. The weather was grim! Fog/wind and a fairly consistent light rain (you know the type – the one that soaks you fairly quickly), which quickly (within a few minutes) had turned to a fairly heavy driving rain. Not nice, at all!
There was a nice fast downhill section into Allenheads, which was quickly followed by a fairly grim and steep ascent up towards Currick, and the Northumbria/County Durham border.
The weather was even worse up there!
The route from Rookhope Village was by two separate routes, on-road or off-road. The chaps decided on the latter, which was to take them across Stanhope Common and Edmondbyers Common, which is an area of moorland that is bisected by the B6278 Road form Stanhope to Consett. Unfortunately, due to a navigation faux-pas (not really helped by the fact that the Sustrans route map is not detailed enough at certain points), the on-road route was taken, which took the lads via Eastgate and Stanhope, up some seriously-steep road sections. At this point the weather was horrendous, with strong winds and constant heavy and driving rain.
At Parkhead, the route crosses th B6278 onto the “Waskerley Way” for the drop down into Consett. The weather at Parkhead was abysmal! The lads made a brief stop at the café at Parkhead, before setting off on the “Waskerley Way” proper. The route took the lads over the moor and down into Consett. It was on this section that Carl had a blow-out on his rear tyre. The lads stopped at this point to make some running repairs to Carl’s steed, and then met up with myself just to the west of Consett, at the car park at Rowley.
Here, a new tyre was also fitted, but this had caused quite a delay in the route.
After a brief stop for some lunch in Consett, the lads set off for the final 24 mile section into Sunderland.
This took the lads past various places, including Annfield Plain (not quite Anfield, but near enough for the Liverpool supporters amongst us), Stanley and No Place (did someone suggest a soundtrack of “Road to Nowhere”?).
Unfortunately. This part of the route was heavily littered with shards of glass, which led to two punctures for Pete in quick succession. Luckily, his tyres turned out not to be of the tubeless variety, and so running-repairs were possible.
As the route led the lads along the river into Sunderland, they went past the Penshaw Monument,
and on past the Stadium of Light, before leading them around the marina in Sunderland/Roker,
and to the official C2C Stamping Station, and the plaque indicating the end of the route.
Job Done!
The lads finally completed the C2C in Sunderland at approximately 18:15 on Sunday (17th August), having ridden the approximately 142 miles from Workington.
Obviously pleased at their achievement, the guys made their way to the beach between the two jetties to perform the traditional dipping of the front wheels in the North Sea.
Unfortunately, in a moment of madness, Rich decided to drive full-tilt into the surf, which swamped his bike, although I believe he really enjoyed it (looking at the expression on his face)
I'm sure I speak for all of the lads when I say we'd like to thank you for sponsoring & donating over £1100 (currently) via the Justgiving site
And on a personal note, I'd like to say a big "Well Done" to all 6 of the lads - A great achievement! I'm proud to have been associated with the whole event.
Jon
Sunday, 17 August 2008
Final Day - Part 1
Final Day - Allenheads to Sunderland
The final day dawns with a smattering of rain at our B&B (The Cumberland Hotel) in Alston. The lads are looking forward to th run down into Sunderland via Allenheads and Consett. The mileage should be somewhere around the 60 mile mark.
Just to say thanks for the sponsorship pledged so far.... but please keep it coming, if at all possible.
No doubt there will be another one or two blog entries today, so watch this space.
The final day dawns with a smattering of rain at our B&B (The Cumberland Hotel) in Alston. The lads are looking forward to th run down into Sunderland via Allenheads and Consett. The mileage should be somewhere around the 60 mile mark.
Just to say thanks for the sponsorship pledged so far.... but please keep it coming, if at all possible.
No doubt there will be another one or two blog entries today, so watch this space.
Saturday, 16 August 2008
The Mighty Hartside has been conquered!
Day 2 - Penrith to Allenheads
I speak to you from the top of a very windy Hartside (1903 ft above sea-level) courtesy of Vodafone 3G Mobile Broadband, and can tell you that the lads have been to the top of Hartside and are now on their way to Allenheads.
Day 2 started without the dreaded rain, and the lads were at Langwathby before 10am.
I'm not sure the local wildlife appreciated the good work the lads are putting in!
Anyway a brief stop before Hartside for the intake of fluids and fuel, and the boys were a little apprehensive about the notorious climb... over 4 miles of climb!
Despite the wind, and the fact that a classic car rally was also taking place on the same route, thhe guys found it hard-going, and were soon spaced out, with Doug, Pete and Rich showing the rest of the guys the way.
I got the distinct impression that Rich was really starting to enjoy it, despite the pain!
It wasn't too long before all of the lads had made it to the top (just before midday), and this was the sight at the top...
The other thing at the top was the Cafe, where the lads again took on fuel and fluids, before setting off for Allenheads.
Jim was first to the top, followed closely by Doug and Pete
Steve was next,
Carl next
with Rich completing the team, having done some video recording further down.
I think everybody enjoyed the cafe, especially Steve!
On completion of his ascent of Hartside, Rich was keen to remind you all of why they are doing this, so, it's over to Mr. Perry:
And a final message from me before I finish off this entry. The sponsorship money seems to be static at about £915.00 at the moment. Thanks for your support in raising this amount of cash for a very worthwhile cause. Having said that, I'm sure you can do better! Lets see it go over the £1000 mark, and in the legendary words of Sir Bob Geldof in 1985, "Just give us your f*cking money!". Thanks!
Until the next installment...
I speak to you from the top of a very windy Hartside (1903 ft above sea-level) courtesy of Vodafone 3G Mobile Broadband, and can tell you that the lads have been to the top of Hartside and are now on their way to Allenheads.
Day 2 started without the dreaded rain, and the lads were at Langwathby before 10am.
I'm not sure the local wildlife appreciated the good work the lads are putting in!
Anyway a brief stop before Hartside for the intake of fluids and fuel, and the boys were a little apprehensive about the notorious climb... over 4 miles of climb!
Despite the wind, and the fact that a classic car rally was also taking place on the same route, thhe guys found it hard-going, and were soon spaced out, with Doug, Pete and Rich showing the rest of the guys the way.
I got the distinct impression that Rich was really starting to enjoy it, despite the pain!
It wasn't too long before all of the lads had made it to the top (just before midday), and this was the sight at the top...
The other thing at the top was the Cafe, where the lads again took on fuel and fluids, before setting off for Allenheads.
Jim was first to the top, followed closely by Doug and Pete
Steve was next,
Carl next
with Rich completing the team, having done some video recording further down.
I think everybody enjoyed the cafe, especially Steve!
On completion of his ascent of Hartside, Rich was keen to remind you all of why they are doing this, so, it's over to Mr. Perry:And a final message from me before I finish off this entry. The sponsorship money seems to be static at about £915.00 at the moment. Thanks for your support in raising this amount of cash for a very worthwhile cause. Having said that, I'm sure you can do better! Lets see it go over the £1000 mark, and in the legendary words of Sir Bob Geldof in 1985, "Just give us your f*cking money!". Thanks!
Until the next installment...
Friday, 15 August 2008
A few media snippets from the ride
Dipping Wheels in the Irish Sea
Location : Workington
The traditional Dipping of the back wheels into the Irish Sea, was quite difficult, without getting wet! The wind and breakers were quite.... interesting, shall we say!
Making for the Start
Location : Workington
The official start point of the ride is the end of the jetty/pier at Workington.
The lads were itching to get away...
Maybe Steve was a little too eager! :-)
Location : Workington
The traditional Dipping of the back wheels into the Irish Sea, was quite difficult, without getting wet! The wind and breakers were quite.... interesting, shall we say!
Making for the Start
Location : Workington
The official start point of the ride is the end of the jetty/pier at Workington.
The lads were itching to get away...
Maybe Steve was a little too eager! :-)
Today's the day
It's Started!
Today , the team started their epic 2008 C2C Ride. The start point was Workington (not Whitehaven, as previously reported). The weather was just about right - not sunny, not raining (much). The guys dipped their wheels in the Irish Sea, at approximately 10 am or so (about an hour behind schedule). Theye then made their way to the official start point, and had been going less than a minute before the first mishap!
Stevie Till, obviously thrilled to be starting the ride, decided he's pull a wheelie (or two) along the harbour wall.... unfortunately, wheelie number 2 wasn't particularly successful, with Steve clattering into the railings, and damaging himself and his bike (fortunately, not seriously). Luckily, all this was caught on video, which will be uploaded once a high speed/high bandwidth connection is available.
Watch this space for more updates soon!
Current position : Between Mungrisdale and Troutbeck (close to main A66 route).
Weather : Fine (for the moment).
Today , the team started their epic 2008 C2C Ride. The start point was Workington (not Whitehaven, as previously reported). The weather was just about right - not sunny, not raining (much). The guys dipped their wheels in the Irish Sea, at approximately 10 am or so (about an hour behind schedule). Theye then made their way to the official start point, and had been going less than a minute before the first mishap!
Stevie Till, obviously thrilled to be starting the ride, decided he's pull a wheelie (or two) along the harbour wall.... unfortunately, wheelie number 2 wasn't particularly successful, with Steve clattering into the railings, and damaging himself and his bike (fortunately, not seriously). Luckily, all this was caught on video, which will be uploaded once a high speed/high bandwidth connection is available.
Watch this space for more updates soon!
Current position : Between Mungrisdale and Troutbeck (close to main A66 route).
Weather : Fine (for the moment).
Thursday, 14 August 2008
The Day Before Tomorrow
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Hello Everyone,
Thanks for clicking in. All of us are ready to go now. We're setting off in a few hours to go up to the start point near Whitehaven. We'll be starting the bike ride on Friday morning about 9am. We'll be posting pictures, videos and diaries a couple of times a day for the next few days so please have a look and enjoy. If you want to see a group of unfit men, struggling to battle against the rain and gravity then this is the site for you. See you later for more updates. Rich
The team are from left to right: Jonny, Carl, Pete, Steve, Doug, Jim and me (Rich)
Wednesday, 13 August 2008
ooo-er, not long to go!
By this time tomorrow we'll be reaching the B&B for our overnight stay in Whitehaven and the following morning we'll be starting off. It's a strange feeling, a weird mixture of excitement and apprehension...
The weather forecasts aren't helping, there have been about 57 different variations that we've seen so far, most of which contain some form of rain. Weather forecasters always get it wrong though, we will take comfort in that!
Not much more to say except, "good luck everybody"!
Time to pack my gear...
Jim
The weather forecasts aren't helping, there have been about 57 different variations that we've seen so far, most of which contain some form of rain. Weather forecasters always get it wrong though, we will take comfort in that!
Not much more to say except, "good luck everybody"!
Time to pack my gear...
Jim
Monday, 11 August 2008
A week in Scotlands not good for training
Well I had to go to Greenock with work last week and when in Rome.......There were meetings,presentations,meals and drinks....yep definitely a few drinks.
So when I got back you can imagine the way I was looking forward to the last training ride of 40+ miles on Sunday.
I prepared by getting a good nights sleep Friday night followed by a 1st Birthday BBQ and (Adults) Party afterwards on the Saturday....Yep more drinks!!
Well Sunday morning came and fortunately the rain from the previous night had stopped so off I went ready to meet Rich,Jim and Sport. Dug was off climbing hills in Wales as is his wim and Mr Till was still going cold turkey off his Lemsip (although roomers abound that he may have fallen off the wagon).
The first 7 miles were fine I felt OK and my legs didn't feel too bad, then for some reason we had to climb a long slow hill............OH GOD!!! ..... why was I slowing ..... it felt like my brakes were on and I couldn't peddle through it ...... those nights in Greenock were coming back to bite me and the numerous bottles of Bud from the day before were having there revenge......I HAD NO ENERGY!!!!!!
What was I going to do it was less that a week away from a ride and my legs felt like lead, we got to the top and a short breather was needed, energy drink and sweats were taken in plentiful supply but I wasn't sure what was going on...... It was at that point that Sport pointed out that my rear tyre had been looking a little flat, so in a vain attempt to do anything that may help I pumped as hard as my little heart would allow.
5 mins later we were off again and to my amazement the lead in the legs was gone and I felt refreshed, partly because of the sugar I had just consumed but probably because now my tyres were going round rather than squashing all over the road.
Well we pushed on to a Ice cream place near Beaston were we had a lovely Ice and looked well out of place with the 100's of road racers that were there before pushing on to the Shady Oak where a beef buttie, Coke and chips hit the spot, after that we rode up past the wild boar and back round to Oulton Park before heading back to Sandyway (tour de France stylee moving along at 19-20 mph) and a refreshing pint in the Whitebarn.
Well I felt surprisingly good seeing I hadn't been out properly for over a week and this has helped to waylay any fears for the ride....don't get me wrong I don't think this is going to be anything other than a nightmare, and one of the hardest things I will have done in a very long time, but at least the rest of the lads who are doing it with me will be there to either follow up the hill or next to me slogging away.
So only 3 days to go, if I were to tell the truth I am a bit worried but also ..... I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
So when I got back you can imagine the way I was looking forward to the last training ride of 40+ miles on Sunday.
I prepared by getting a good nights sleep Friday night followed by a 1st Birthday BBQ and (Adults) Party afterwards on the Saturday....Yep more drinks!!
Well Sunday morning came and fortunately the rain from the previous night had stopped so off I went ready to meet Rich,Jim and Sport. Dug was off climbing hills in Wales as is his wim and Mr Till was still going cold turkey off his Lemsip (although roomers abound that he may have fallen off the wagon).
The first 7 miles were fine I felt OK and my legs didn't feel too bad, then for some reason we had to climb a long slow hill............OH GOD!!! ..... why was I slowing ..... it felt like my brakes were on and I couldn't peddle through it ...... those nights in Greenock were coming back to bite me and the numerous bottles of Bud from the day before were having there revenge......I HAD NO ENERGY!!!!!!
What was I going to do it was less that a week away from a ride and my legs felt like lead, we got to the top and a short breather was needed, energy drink and sweats were taken in plentiful supply but I wasn't sure what was going on...... It was at that point that Sport pointed out that my rear tyre had been looking a little flat, so in a vain attempt to do anything that may help I pumped as hard as my little heart would allow.
5 mins later we were off again and to my amazement the lead in the legs was gone and I felt refreshed, partly because of the sugar I had just consumed but probably because now my tyres were going round rather than squashing all over the road.
Well we pushed on to a Ice cream place near Beaston were we had a lovely Ice and looked well out of place with the 100's of road racers that were there before pushing on to the Shady Oak where a beef buttie, Coke and chips hit the spot, after that we rode up past the wild boar and back round to Oulton Park before heading back to Sandyway (tour de France stylee moving along at 19-20 mph) and a refreshing pint in the Whitebarn.
Well I felt surprisingly good seeing I hadn't been out properly for over a week and this has helped to waylay any fears for the ride....don't get me wrong I don't think this is going to be anything other than a nightmare, and one of the hardest things I will have done in a very long time, but at least the rest of the lads who are doing it with me will be there to either follow up the hill or next to me slogging away.
So only 3 days to go, if I were to tell the truth I am a bit worried but also ..... I CAN'T WAIT!!!!
Friday, 8 August 2008
Drugs aren't just for Olympic athletes - a serious message
I thought I would share with you all about the dangers and temptations of taking drugs to improve performance, at any level of sport. Something that, shamefully, I have been tempted and partaken in in recent weeks.
I am not asking for forgiveness, just for a little understanding of the pressures everyone is under to be able to complete this ride and the lengths I have gone to to try and make this happen.
I would also like to remind everyone that I am clean now and have not taken any substances for over a week.
Can I also say, my co-riders have not been aware of what I have been up to and I would like to apologise to them all.
It all began over a month ago and I had been feeling very tired on what I considered to be short rides. I just couldn't get going or seem to develop any stamina for the rides.
I wondered what I could do to help me with my symptoms which had become almost cold / flu like and then before a ride it all got too much... and I took a Lemsip....
I know I shouldn't have done it, I know I am only cheating myself and do feel really bad about it now but at the time i was buzzing, it made the ride very slightly easier and I even had the energy to skip through a puddle. I was out of control..
The come down that night was bad, but all I could think about was the buzz.. I couldn't wait for the next ride which was only a few days away..
And so it happened again, I took another, new stronger Lemsip, this time it was Lemsip Max Menthol, I knew insde I was getting further out of control but I didn't really care.. The riding became slightly easier again.. It couldnt be the better fitness from previous, it had to be the drugs.. I could see the look on Rich, Jim, Sport and Carls faces as I rode, they could see how strong I was in the saddle.. I was unstoppable.. I was uncontrollable.... I wanted another and another Lemsip (no less than 4 hours apart and no more than 4 in one day)
Then we finished the ride and went for a pint....
thats when the guilt started nawing away. Here I was with my really good mates talking about how were a team helping and supporting each other and here I was lying to them.. Well thats when I realised I had to stop.. My cold had gone away..
remember.. dont do Drugs... Unless you have a cold and fancy a lemsip..
PS - it was reported in last weeks Liverpool Echo that fish were found dead on the banks of the Mersey with syringes sticking out of them..
They were Drug Haddocks!!!
I am not asking for forgiveness, just for a little understanding of the pressures everyone is under to be able to complete this ride and the lengths I have gone to to try and make this happen.
I would also like to remind everyone that I am clean now and have not taken any substances for over a week.
Can I also say, my co-riders have not been aware of what I have been up to and I would like to apologise to them all.
It all began over a month ago and I had been feeling very tired on what I considered to be short rides. I just couldn't get going or seem to develop any stamina for the rides.
I wondered what I could do to help me with my symptoms which had become almost cold / flu like and then before a ride it all got too much... and I took a Lemsip....
I know I shouldn't have done it, I know I am only cheating myself and do feel really bad about it now but at the time i was buzzing, it made the ride very slightly easier and I even had the energy to skip through a puddle. I was out of control..
The come down that night was bad, but all I could think about was the buzz.. I couldn't wait for the next ride which was only a few days away..
And so it happened again, I took another, new stronger Lemsip, this time it was Lemsip Max Menthol, I knew insde I was getting further out of control but I didn't really care.. The riding became slightly easier again.. It couldnt be the better fitness from previous, it had to be the drugs.. I could see the look on Rich, Jim, Sport and Carls faces as I rode, they could see how strong I was in the saddle.. I was unstoppable.. I was uncontrollable.... I wanted another and another Lemsip (no less than 4 hours apart and no more than 4 in one day)
Then we finished the ride and went for a pint....
thats when the guilt started nawing away. Here I was with my really good mates talking about how were a team helping and supporting each other and here I was lying to them.. Well thats when I realised I had to stop.. My cold had gone away..
remember.. dont do Drugs... Unless you have a cold and fancy a lemsip..
PS - it was reported in last weeks Liverpool Echo that fish were found dead on the banks of the Mersey with syringes sticking out of them..
They were Drug Haddocks!!!
Wednesday, 6 August 2008
What food is best?
As everyone else has written largely about the actual training I thought we needed a section on the best tried and tested food for a ride. So far I have found beans on toast a perfect meal before any lengthy cycle. However other good tried and tested meals are porridge, pizza (the night before) and pasta.
For last nights ride I decided to go for a lardy scampi and chips followed by waffles and ice cream. For anyone thinking it doesnt matter what you eat before a cycle trust me when I say that scampi and chips before a knackering 30 ish miles is not a good idea.
This sundays biggie cycle I will be trying a few pints of lager, pizza and garlic bread the night before so lets see how that one works. Personally I dont think it will go down well though my mate (Glenn Swalez) swears by a Chow Mein and 3 cans of lager before every ten K run.
Will let you know how it goes,
Pete (aka sportbilly) (the short, skinny balding one)
For last nights ride I decided to go for a lardy scampi and chips followed by waffles and ice cream. For anyone thinking it doesnt matter what you eat before a cycle trust me when I say that scampi and chips before a knackering 30 ish miles is not a good idea.
This sundays biggie cycle I will be trying a few pints of lager, pizza and garlic bread the night before so lets see how that one works. Personally I dont think it will go down well though my mate (Glenn Swalez) swears by a Chow Mein and 3 cans of lager before every ten K run.
Will let you know how it goes,
Pete (aka sportbilly) (the short, skinny balding one)
c2c training ride one week to go
Hello everyone,
Here's a little taster of what we are getting up to on our training rides. The rides we are doing are about 30/35 miles and we've one more big one to do on Sunday when we'll get up to 40 odd miles. No sign of Doug yet, apparentely he was last seen worrying sheep in the Welsh mountains.
One week to go now, can't wait.
Rich
Monday, 4 August 2008
I hope he's wearing sunscreen
Well, here we have a picture of Steve and Carl in the sunshine, as we join the Trans Pennine Trail near Lymm on one of our training rides.
It was a hot one that day, and a bit of Ribena, a Snickers and no hat wasn't quite the best of preparation.... the salt and vinegar crisps at the pub saved me!
Not to fear, though. Now I'm all equipped with gel seat cover, speedometer, fancy isotonic drink powder, some useful tools, puncture repair kit, a cap, some biking shades, and the all-important compass which should do the trick nicely. I just hope all that stuff doesn't weigh me down too much!! The trial run is tomorrow.
Fundraising goes well, rounding up donations from people at work has proved to be incredibly easy so far and the generosity of everyone is touching. One cheeky bugger even said he'd give me £10 per mile if I kept going and never came back! Unfortunately for him, we had to settle on a fiver. Total. So anyway, I digress, now I have 35 names on my sponsor sheet. Not bad at all. And if I get round to asking the other 6,965 people on the site, we should raise a few quid!!
A special thank you goes to Helen who gave £20 to the cause - you should be saving that dosh for nappies and baby clothes! But your kindness is very much appreciated, and a big thanks goes to all of you who have donated so far.
Ok, time to polish my speedometer...
Cheers,
Jim (or James if I know you at work, or you are one of my parents!)
Mountain Training and Weight Gain
Bonjour Les Bloggeurs,
This photo was taken during one of my many Mountain training rides last week in France. I say 'many' when I mean just the one, but it's the thought that counts.
This was taken in the Black Mountains north of Caunes Minervois and it was much more fun coming back down the mountain road than it was going up it.
I've also increased my dietry training and taken quite a liking to the official cheese of the Beijing Olympics which as you all know is Brie.
Giscard D'Estang, Rich
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