So, last time I wrote I was starting to get the proper fear about the cycle to Paris. Well, now the fear has kind of subsided and has turned into a combination of excitement and nervousness. Two weeks tomorrow, at 6am, Frank and I will be gathering with 100 other cyclists in Crystal Palace and heading off to Paris. That is kinda exciting. And kinda scary. But mainly exciting. The excitement is partly fuelled by two things: 1. SUNSHINE! 2. FOOD!
1. SUNSHINE!
The sun has come out in London. And it is glorious. Over the past couple of weeks I've been out with the chaps and chappesses from Dulwich Paragon a few times and every ride has just got lovelier. On Friday 10th, I joined four of the chaps for a ride out into the Kent and Surrey Lanes. Each time I go out I am doing something that little bit harder than before, which is great but it means
I'm always a bit nervous that I'll hold people up and/or make a fool of myself. As it was, I didn't need to worry as either they were being nice to me that day or I'm getting better! We rode just over 50 miles at about 14.4mph average and it was pretty much fun the whole way round. Apart from Brasted Hill. Ug. A 20% climb (at points 25%) which was quite frankly hideous. The R is definitely in the wrong place in Brasted. I must admit I had to stop half way up for a short rest (and swear). Turns out it isn't that much of a suprise I struggled...as I've got what is apparently referred to as a 'standard double' crankset (GEEK ALERT) which means I basically just don't have enough gearage at times. So while the rest of the chaps got their way up on their triples and compact doubles, I was trying to push much bigger gears. And failing.
The view out into the countryside. This is within the M25!Anyhoo. That is quite dull. Sorry about that. Where was I? Oh, yes...sunshine! So, last weekend I went out again with DP on Saturday and Sunday. Both fabulous days. On Sunday, excitingly I got to wear short cycling shorts for the first time this year. And fingerless gloves. And normal socks. AND I even wore sun tan lotion! My comedy cycling tan is in early stages of development already which is frightening. Sunday was especially nice as it was quite a relaxed ride, averaging 14.4mph, which was a relief after Saturday when I rode with the medium group which, whilst advertised at an average 15/16mph was much nearer 16.5/17mph average. I was, quite frankly, bu**ered by the end of it! However, I have discovered what I need to do in order to recover from such rides....which is....EAT!
2. FOOD
So, apparently I burn between 1,500 and 2,000 calories out on a ride depending on the length. That's the same as you're meant to eat on a normal day so I did finally realise that I needed to start eating more (and of the right stuff) if I was to recover properly in order to ride the next day. Now, I likes my food, so this isn't too much of a chore! I get to eat all the things all the girl magazines tell you to avoid - especially carbs and fat! I have breakfast, eat and drink throughout the ride, have a post ride lunch, then a second lunch when I get home, then a mid afternoon snack, then dinner (Mainly of pasta), then supper. AMAZING. On Saturday, I managed to eat more than I have done in a long time and that, combined with an early night and no booze, meant that the next day when I went out riding again, my legs felt great whereas previously I would have struggled going out two days in a row. So, the ride out of Sunday was probably the best so far as it combined sunshine, good company, beautiful countryside and great food thanks to Fanny's Farm Shop where we stopped mid ride! http://fannysfarmshop.co.uk A lovely, magical little haven of a place in Surrey which also happens to do possibly the best carrot cake I've ever tasted!
The garden at Fanny's Farm shop.They were slightly taken aback at the sight of 15 people dressed entirely in lycra.
So, although it has been blooming hard work getting to this point, where I feel I may actually manage to cycle 280 miles, it hasn't been all bad! I've seen some glorious scenery where I least expected it (inside and around the M25!), met some great people, enjoyed sunshine (finally - as a pay off for all that ice) had the excuse to eat SHED LOADS and I'm probably fitter than I've ever been. PLUS, we're very nearly at our target of £3,000 thanks to all of our generous and lovely friends, family and colleagues. Hoping that we can reach the target, which will help to send 1,500 books to libraries ini sub-Saharan Africa where they can change lives. Thanks to everyone who has sponsored us so far, it really is hugely appreciated, if you've not done so yet, you can here! www.justgiving.com/pedallingpinders
Off up to Scotland on Friday for a four day training boot camp with Frank. Planning on riding nearly 200 miles over three days. JOY!
More soon!
Lesley
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