My first 'back-to-back' weekend

As the more observant among you may have realised, my promise of on-the-road updates over the weekend failed to materialise.  I did try, but it must have got lost somewhere in the technosphere.  I'm planning on updating via my phone on the trip itself, so I'll need to iron these issues out sooner rather than later...


Both weekend rides went well, and I'm delighted to report that I managed to get through a total of 68 miles without injuring myself, wimping out or vowing never to ride a bike again.  Progress indeed!  The clocks going forward made getting out of bed on Sunday morning all the more excruciating, but once I got out on the road I actually felt pretty pleased with myself!  The promise of Scotland vs Brazil and a Sunday roast always helps too (especially when you can smell it wafting out of pubs and restaurants as you cycle past).


I'm planning a slightly longer 46 mile ride this coming Saturday.  The plan is to continue building up the distances as the training weekend approaches (1 month to go!).  I also get paid this week, which will enable me to purchase the rest of the kit I'll need.  My only quandary is my choice of pannier bags, so any reviews/suggestions are welcomed as always.


I'll leave you with the photos that were meant to be in the on-the-road update yesterday.


Cheers for now!

Looking down on Lennoxtown from the Crow Road.

Looking West towards the hills around Loch Lomond (I think).

Spring Has Sprung!

I just know I'm going to regret that blog title when the weather reverts to p**sing it down tomorrow.... 


But for today at least we do seem to be clear of all the crap weather that has kept me off the roads all winter.  The season for shorts, beer gardens and t-shirt sun tans is upon us, exactly 3 months from the start of our LEJOG!


That brings me to the first order of business for today's post: training.  This weekend will be the first time I've attempted back-to-back rides on Saturday and Sunday, and I'm starting off with a double-header of the 34 mile route I mentioned in the last blog.  I don't anticipate the mileages being an issue, it's how my back and derriere will cope with two consecutive days in the saddle that has me worried.  My lower back in particular has been giving me a bit of grief towards the end of my last few training rides, leading me to wonder if my riding position is maybe a bit off (answers/suggestions on a postcard).  I'll also be experimenting with posting blog entries from my phone this weekend.  Good luck everyone...


As some of you will be aware, myself and Malc 'officially' launched our fundraising push earlier this week.  The support we've had so far has been great, and we'd both like to give a HUGE thank you to everyone who has donated so far.  It feels good to finally get going with the fundraising element of the trip, and I think the fact that people have actually put their hands in their pockets has made it all a bit more real for both of us.  It should help propel me up the Crow Road this weekend, so thanks!  Check out our Just Giving page, where you can sponsor us and find out more about our chosen charity, the Highland Hospice.  The next step for us is to find some jersey sponsors.  We will begin the search by approaching various Inverness based companies next week, but if you know of any organisations or businesses anywhere in the UK that may be interested please do get in touch!


That's it for now folks.  Have a great weekend and enjoy the sunshine... while it lasts!

Progress.... finally

Having well and truly shaken off the winter cobwebs, I feel a blog update is long overdue. I'm delighted to report that I've been back on the road for a few weeks now, and that my training is well and truly back on track. It's still not exactly balmy out there, but the purchase of a pair of tights has helped get me back outdoors and away from the dreaded turbo trainer. It's a sad day indeed when a grown man buys himself a pair of tights, but needs must! The last two Saturday mornings have been great, I'm surprised at how much I've enjoyed them. A lot of that is down to a cracking wee route I've found, details of which are below:

This route has everything a decent training run needs: decent road surfaces, the right amount of hills, great scenery and minimal traffic.  Most importantly it's restored my appetite for training, so it's now just a case of building up the mileage.


Progress has also been made on the sponsorship front. I'll post details as soon as they're available, but I'm delighted to announce that we'll be raising funds for the Highland Hospice. It's a great cause that means a great deal to both of us, so fingers crossed we can raise a fair amount of cash to help support the fantastic work they do.


In the mean time, preparations will continue for our training weekend, which will be taking place in the Lake District during the last weekend in April. The aim is to do three days at just under our intended LEJOG pace, which will hopefully give us a pretty good idea of where we stand. It'll also give the two of us a chance to get used to cycling together after going at our own pace whilst training. Fingers crossed the weather holds, and that the Lake District climbs don't destroy me! Again, I'll post details once everything's finalised.


I'll leave you with a view of the Crow Road, which has come right at the start of my last two training rides. Despite being 2 miles of nausea inducing misery, I can't help but include it in most of my route plans.


First the tights, now an appetite for gruelling climbs: the 'roady' mentality is really taking hold...


Cheers for now. 

The Crow Road - it's my Alpe D'Huez!