Training 30 March 2008

Saturday gave us high winds and heavy rainfall. Not fun for riding, at all. I decided to go running instead, to keep fitness up. On Sunday morning, a large bright object was sighted in the sky. The Met Office says its something called “The Sun”. Whatever it is was it was time to get on the bike and enjoy. All the rain the previous day left some of the roads looking like this.

I was happy I put some fenders on (SKS Race Blades)! It keeps the backside from getting soaked. Even though it was a great day for riding, a series of punctures and work commitments only let me manage a puny 35 km (22 miles). I had a milestone of sorts during this last ride; I completed my first 1000 miles on the bike. Steve is still in China, but was he spotted?

Chuck

Training 23 March 2008

I decided to go for a blast this Easter Sunday. Steve is still in China, so it was another solo run. I had the vague idea of just riding west until I felt it was time to turnaround and head back. I had just about every type of weather; rain, sleet, snow, sun, and my least favourite, high winds. So, how do you know when to turn around? The answer is when the road signs change language!

Yes, I made it to Wales but didn’t have time to pick any leeks as I was cold and getting very tired. I managed to thread my way back to Nantwich having just enough energy to make it back without being too shattered. In all, a good run of about 58 km (36 miles). According to Katie Melua there are nine million bicycles in Beijing, let’s hope Steve is on one of them!

Chuck

Training 15 March 2008

With Steve in China until April, I was left to my own for training. It was another grey, wet and cold day in South Cheshire. I wanted to put some distance on my legs in a short time. I headed to Burland, as the road there is closed for a few months due to re-surfacing. Although I had to walk through some of the works, it was a great pleasure riding one of our busiest local roads with no traffic for miles. Upon reaching Beeston Castle I decided to do a complete loop around and work the hills around Burwardsley. My legs felt fine, if a little wobbly upon heading back to Nantwich via Wrenbury. Just outside of Nantwich, I was running out of energy (food and water as well) as my legs began to cramp when out of the saddle. This may have been due to the recent change in seat height and lack of fitness. In all I managed about 53 km (33 miles) in two hours. Let’s hope Steve is finding some saddle time in the hotel gym!

Chuck