We have a date set!

After hours (about 5 minutes) of deliberating (at the pub) we finally (three pints later) picked a date for our ride from Lowestoft to Land's End. We are going to set off on the 12^th of July and hope to be done by the 19^th of July. Now the hard work begins! Time to get muscle mass on the legs and condition those derrières to sitting in the saddle for hours at a time.

It’s also time to for you lot to show us the money! We are hoping to raise loads of money for Cancer Research UK. Cancer Research UK is the world's leading independent organisation dedicated to cancer research. They support research into all aspects of cancer through the work of more than 4,250 scientists, doctors and nurses. Over the past 10 years alone, thousands of lives have been saved through earlier detection and improved treatments. But, much work remains to be done if they are to achieve the aim of beating cancer. Charity Registration No 1089464 www.cancerresearchuk.org

Donating could not be any easier. All of our donations are handled through www.justgiving.com. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to sponsor us: Cancer Research UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you. Just follow this link:

http://www.justgiving.com/low2le

You can donate as little or as much as you like, from anywhere around the world. So please sponsor us now!

Training 14th April 2008

Just a short-ish run this morning---24k. Felt better than yesterday especially considering how (suprisingly) blustery the weather was--as Chuck remarked in previous post-how can there always be a head wind on a circuitous route? I know it was not being produced by my sheer speed which averaged a measly 21Kph !!- I am not exactly streamlined so maybe I was catching every gust ....
Still, I'm not too worried about speed, the ride is going to be more of a 'marathon' than a sprint, with plenty of time to 'stop and smell the roses'--- and taste the beers on the way!

Training 13th April 2008

Steve here---finally got back from China a couple of days ago, unfortunately could not find a suitable bike to train on out of the 9 million in Beijing while I was there, so I have a lot of catching up to do with Chuck.

My first Blog so thought I would put a picture of my bike since I just washed it--it's a Boardman Road Comp -so far so good, nice smooth ride and easy gear changes. Halfords also replaced my broken Boardman Cycle computer arm free of charge so I am very happy with their customer service.

Since I have not been on a bike for about 8 weeks now, I thought I would take it easy so did a short 15k out and about Nantwich. Not much to report other than I was a lot more knackered than I expected to be--maybe last dregs of jet lag?? I'll do a slightly longer run tomorrow just to get used to my cleats again-not toppled over yet but a near thing at one unexpected junction....

Will start building up again with Chuck next weekend--I need to try and put plenty of miles in over the next few months so that I can actually enjoy the ride across England this summer and not worry if I'm going to make it up the next hill!!.

Training 6 April 2008

SNOW! Winter came back overnight and dropped a few inches in Cheshire. The morning was picture perfect but not conducive to riding! After a quick trip to work, I was ready to hit the roads as the snow quickly melted, leaving only a little on the hills. You may just be able to make it out in the picture below.

During the previous week I gave the bike a mini service due to it hitting its first 1000+ miles. I replaced the poor quality standard fitted tyres and tubes with some Continental Ultra Gator Skins and tubes. I also solvent washed the chain and sprockets with White Lightning Clean Streak and finished with White Lightning Epic chain lubricant. There must have been a pound of gunk that came off! I must remember to do this more often. The solvent came in handy once more as I de-shined my brake pads. The new tyres and service made a noticeable difference during my ride. I was a little bit quicker and the chain and derailleur were working very smoothly.

The ride itself was strange, how can the wind be head-on the whole ride, when you ride in a loop? To add insult to injury, I swear a large black storm cloud was following me. Just as I was pulling into the drive, the snow started to fall again. In all I coved a modest 56 km (35 miles). Steve is back this week. Hopefully he will have a good run at it this weekend. I won’t be able to join him as I am going into hiding over the weekend to commiserate my turning 40, aaaarrrrggghhh!

Chuck

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