A WEEK AWAY DOESN'T HELP TRAINING AS SPRING ARRIVES

So the weather is finally is picking up and spring is with us, just in time for plenty of things, including training for the C2C bike ride.

This week I’ve been away for a few days with the family, so time on the bike has been zero. In fact I’ve probably had too much good food and drink, so need the training to shed a few pounds!

I think the first few times back in the saddle will be quite tough but I’m looking forward getting out and burning off those extra ‘calories’.

This weekend I’ll be planning those routes around Cheshire to enable me to train hard and give me a chance of keeping up with my team mates who will carry much less age to the C2C, and therefore generally more fitness.

My hip has been playing up a bit more this week and my left knee has shared in my hip's pain by providing ‘sympathy’ pains, although not as much pain as previously.

I’m happy that cycling will not make either problem worse, more likely better as they build muscles that will relieve tension on joints and ligaments.

It seems my team mates are having differing training regime successes as Ian has spent a good amount of time in the saddle of the last couple of weeks, while Neil’s training for various running events puts him way ahead in the fitness stakes.

As for Pads, well a week in Las Vegas celebrating a wedding wasn’t 'filled' with C2C training, and much like me training has taken a back seat (literally) for the time being. 

How will we all getting on in the next few weeks? Stay tuned for more updates.

TRAINING ON HOLD AS WEATHER FAILS TO SPRING IN TO ACTION

Following a weekend of trying to fix a boiler leak and working away, training for C2C bike ride took a back seat.

The weather isn’t brilliant at the moment so perhaps it was best I couldn’t go out, but it was still frustrating – particularly as the dates have now been set for the second coming of the team!

Last year April was mainly lovely weather, probably the best month of the year, while in June – when we first tried to complete the C2C bike ride – it was one of the wettest on records.

This year I’m hoping the poor weather so far in April is a sign that come late June and early July, we’ll have at least acceptable weather to ride the route.

Even if we don’t I’ve set the four day course to ensure we have shorter riding days and should be able to complete it within the time frame – subject to a lot of crossed fingers and toes plus touching wood and carrying as many lucky charms as possible!

Of course the most important thing, apart from our safety, is raising money for Cancer Research UK. I know many people have donated and every penny is gratefully received, but if you could spread the word to all your friends and family we can together make it to the target figure of £1,000.

Those wishing to spread the word or donate to the Cancer Research cause can do so using my Just Giving donation page

So when will training begin in full? I suspect it’ll be the last couple of weekends in April when things start properly and from then on it’ll be using the light nights for short to medium rides and the weekends for 20-30 mile rides around west Cheshire.

Images of training and the views seen while out riding will go up in future post for this blog, but any comments, tips and words of encouragement are welcome.

THE 2013 RIDE IS BOOKED

So Easter weekend produced no riding due to family commitments and the weather not being great, but one thing has progressed during these holidays.

The 2013 C2C bike ride for Cancer Research is now booked. Pads, Neil, Ian and I will be negotiating the course from Whitehaven to Tynemouth in early July and hoping for better weather than last year.

We’ve delayed it a further two weeks from the 2012 dates in the hope that July has good weather this year, but only time will tell if we get decent conditions.

The accommodation and people I spoke to today booking it were all lovely to deal with and it was great to know people still go that extra mile to help you.

If anyone reading this is thinking of any accommodation to stay during the C2C then you should consider these four options:

Whitehaven – Glenard Guest House

Troutbeck – Gill Head Farm
Renwick – Scalehouse Farm
Rookhope – The Rookhope Inn

Anyone wanting further information on any of these places, or others that I have tried, please leave a comment at the bottom of this post.

So now we’ve booked it the training and further fundraising starts. All the money goes direct to Cancer Research and here’s where you can donate – Just Giving donation page

Any financial contribution is very much appreciated although simply telling someone about this blog and the donation website is more than enough.

I’ll update once more training is done and hopefully spring is with us!