Recovery continues, The Wintersmith persists and a bit of cycling

This week's blog has an update on The Queen of Cakes, the return to coaching, rollers rationale and one decent bike at Wakerley Woods.

The major update for Lee is no more trips to hospital and recovery continues. We've been walking a bit further and due to two 0.5 mile round trips to the pharmacy, Lee walked over a mile on Friday. Unfortunately the antibiotics she's taking for an infection on her trachy site seem to have knocked her for six! Even so she's eating well and sleeping well and still managing around the house. Lots of things to celebrate last week as Sam had his 16th birthday on the same day my Dad was 72. Its not normal family life yet but we're moving closer! Since starting to write this Lee and I enjoyed some laps of the garden path in bizarrely warm sunshine. Another thing to mention is the amazing kindness towards us from friends, family and people who barely know us! We continue to receive lovely gifts and people in the street have been so pleased to see Lee out and about! 

On Monday we returned to coaching at KCC cyclones. I can't tell you how much I'd missed working with these kids. It was great to just run a simple session with a bit of a ride out with some skills practice thrown in.

I've carried on with my two for the price of one running sessions. I went one further on Thursday as Lee walked with us and waited on a bench whilst the dogs and I ran. Then we walked Lee home again. That's a lot of bang for the buck! 

Also in the week I watched the GCN show. They did a feature on the minimum effort on training required to achieve a fitness gain. It was sold as only 30 seconds is necessary but the truth is that you need to do several 30 second efforts to get any benefit and surprise surprise its not one size fits all. The take home message remains that to achieve and maintain fitness you still need to put the hard yards in. However there is strong evidence that short HIIT sessions do lead to improvements. With that in mind I have set myself a goal. On any day that I do not manage an outdoor ride or run I am going to do at least 20 minutes on my rollers. That roller session will include intervals. Talking of rollers it was great to see former KCC Cyclone Ruby Isaac showing off her phenomenal roller skills on GCN.

On Saturday morning there was another chance for a group ride but with one thing and another I didn’t make it. I have to say I’m a little grateful because by all accounts it was freezing!!! The weather really is playing up right now. In Terry Pratchett’s book, the Wintersmith he describes an age old battle between the Wintersmith and the Summer Lady. Well for 2021 that battle has reached its peak! I was very cold on the dog walk this morning, lovely and warm in Wakerley  Woods, then it hailed, freezing again in Corby Tesco car park in the snow and lovely and warm in my back garden just now! Four seasons in one day!!!

Today I  headed back to Wakerley Woods having seen friends on Strava do the same. In previous visits I would have done a few laps of the Scartree Trail, a nice 4km blue grade loop. However the Scartree Trail is no more...well the Forestry Commission have removed the start and bits of the old trail have been obliterated by forestry work. Some of the trail remains and is rideable. Apart from that there now appears to be very loose rules! There's signage indicating you should stay out of certain areas but apart from that the place is open to the public. 

This led me to explore a bit and discover that there are tonnes of fun trails in Wakerley. I also learned that the locals have a bit of a one way system, particularly for downhill and uphill sections but its not obvious. I also discovered the Badger trail. This bit of trails is fun with great features. Its not advertised, I found it because the same riders who explained the expected direction of travel, recommended it to me. I feel like I've rediscovered Wakerley Woods and will definitely be going back. From the Wakerley and Fineshade Facebook page it appears that The Forestry Commission needed to do some work. They were aware this work would harm the trails so Scartree was officially closed. As for cycling on the remaining trails, this is allowed. There are no funds to restore the Scartree Trail but they will allow it to be independently repaired. The FB group also advise rider behaviour will be monitored. So it appears its up to us! Ride responsibly and Wakerley remains open to cycling!!!

A bit of a quiet week in the world of elite cycling. The classics return with a bang next week with the Amstel Gold race. 

That's it. 

Happy Pedalling 😊 

Back on track!

This weeks blog has an update on the Queen of Cakes. A bit of running, a bit more cycling, the joy of roadmap step 1 part b, and more Spring Classics.

So we had a bit of a scare at the weekend going into the start of the week. Thankfully it resolved quickly, Lee was home with us on Tuesday and we got back in track. The rest of the week has been good. The Queen of Cakes looks better than she has in s long time and continues to get a little stronger each day. Climbing a flight of stairs still exhausts her but the technique is definitely improving. The big progress this week is that Lee can get up from the sofa independently. Again she finds this exhausting but...she can do it! Lee also has a nap every afternoon at this point of the day I think I can have the telly to myself and I promptly nod off too! People continue to be very kind and we've had to get more vases due to all the flowers!

My job for the next few weeks is to look after Lee so I'm being very careful about when and where I get out and about. Doubling my runs up with dog walks helps because it takes less time to run and the dogs still get good exercise.

The first ride I had this week was on Good Friday. With everyone off work there was plenty of help around so I felt okay getting out for a while.

I didn't really know what I wanted, just ride, do about twenty miles and just make sure my Giant Propel was in good running order. I started out on my standard 17 via Rushton and Desborough but headed up to Harrington rather than take the gated road to Arthingworth. I know those wheels will fly down that road but I just don't want to risk them on the cattlegrids. Once in Harrington I decided to check out the information boards which tell of a grand feature that no longer exists. The fields have an interesting terracing to them which used to be an ornamental garden.

Also long gone are some medieval fish ponds. Northamptonshire is interesting enough with all the historical buildings still here, let alone bits that are now just fields for livestock!

I tacked a few more miles on coming back to Rothwell via Loddington and Orton. 

On Saturday I had my first opportunity for a group ride since Christmas. It was great to be out with mates again. The rules are confused, its groups of six unless its an organised ride, then you can have 15!

The Cyclasylum were doing a fondo or a 30 mile option. However I didn't think I should be out for too long let alone 100km and left the at Pipewell to head home. The kids can cope but even so I don't think its fair to leave Lee for more than a couple of hours. A lovely touch came from Andy P who presented me with orange/gold dust caps which match my cable ferrules. My 80s theme tune ride mate, Mark C was the originator of the idea. They look  great on my Hunt wheels. Group rides are back! Maybe 2021 will be alright after all.

Today I just needed an hour to burn the Easter eggs off. Anyone who thinks the route looks like my dog walks its because it is! I've been waiting for those trails to firm up and had an idea about a bit of a training circuit. A tip I picked up from Muddy Marvels and Corby Capers is to use natural features to make rides more interesting. These local woods have hills and hammocks, dips, twists, tree roots and fallen logs. This makes it a good place for a short sharp session.

Today was a leisurely spin rather than a heart pounding training session. A recce really. 

I'm attempting to write this blog and watch the Ronde van Vlaanderen,  so it might take me some time! In fact its already taken me the last hour of the men's race and now I'm watching the women's. It's great stuff.

Tomorrow we return to coaching at the Cyclones. I can't wait, it feels like ages since our last session, I hope lots of the kids can make it!

Happy Pedalling 

Still riding the Covid19 roller coaster!

Well this week's blog is late for a very good reason. I was expecting to tell you about a first great week at home with Lee and the odd bike ride that I managed to sneak in. Well the roller coaster 🎢 ride of our lives decided it hadn't finished with the spanner chucking just yet. Enough of the mixed metaphors, this week's blog is an update on the Queen of cakes, a bit of running, the return of a favourite off road ride and some general cycling chat.

The picture above is from our last trip to Australia, Lee is second row on the left. We all look bored...we weren't, it was part of a series of photos as we took advantage of a quiet theme park and tried to pull a different expression for each photo. The best one was when we didn't realise there was a random stranger at the back of the boat! Poor bloke, goodness knows what he thought of his picture! That extended ramble brings me to my point, the roller coaster goes on and its anything but boring!

Lee came home on Monday 22nd of March to great relief and joy! We had a good few days adjusting to having her at home. She is doing so well. With support she can manage our very steep stairs and apart from that she can do most stuff for herself. All of it takes effort and she gets tired very quickly. By Friday we had managed 3 laps of the garden path. You might remember from my lockdown runs that our garden path is 0.02 miles long, 0.04 for a lap so Lee was up to 0.12 miles! Also around the house everything was further away. A few steps to the toilet in her room at Beechwood, became 15 steps upstairs and 21 steps downstairs in our house. So we were going well!

 Unfortunately Lee was unable to keep food and drink down over the weekend and started to feel unwell. So she ended up back in KGH  needing IV fluids and meds! Thankfully Lee has been discharged again today and we can refocus on that home recovery. The Queen of Cakes was proud to show us her physical recovery is going well and that she can now get up from our low sofa unaided! So we can return chair raisers after just one week!

The postponed Sunday dinner of roast beef, Northamptonshire puddings and all the trimmings will take place tonight! 

With full on carer duties to the fore there's been little time for much else. Rightfully so, these few weeks are about time with Lee and building her strength up. There's a physical and emotional journey here as we talk about what's happened and our hopes for the future. I did however get out for a couple of runs with the dogs (I just swap a walk for a run twice a week,) and one nice bike ride.

on Saturday with plenty of people about to help with Lee I had a couple of hours on my bike. The destination of choice was Geddington Chase and the bike was my Forme Ripley MTB. I didn't want to leave the house for too long so I set myself an out and back target of turn back home after an hour. 

Historic Geddington is a fascinating place with the best surving example of an Eleanor Cross. This place was a favourite location for many royals until that cross was erected, even parliament was held here. I've done a few features in past blogs so instead of repeating myself, if you're interested check it out here...https://richardscyclingblog.blogspot.com/2014/02/it-is-great-ride-but-not-right-now.html?m=1

Geddington History Website

I wanted to know how dry and rideable the Chase was and I'm sorry to report it will be a few weeks before its best! The downhill still has a stream flowing in the gravel and there's a lot of standing water. I was quite relieved that my hour was up at the bottom of the hill because I'm sure it will be very boggy through to Brigstock. Even so I was having a great time!

On the way back through Weekly Woods I spotted this feature. I couldn't resist a quick go because it just reminded me of something we'd train on at Muddy Marvels or Corby Capers! If you're in to off road riding these little things really add to your ride! My chronological age is 50, my cycling age is more like 5!!!

My bike was suitably muddy.

My legs were too!

In the world of elite cycling we are well into the spring classics and monuments and all the other words I barely understood a few years ago. I checked GCN+ in the week and actually cheered out loud when I realised it was Gent-Wevelgem...seriously...my cycling education before 2012 was; I would watch the Tour de France in same way people suddenly become tennis fans during Wimbledon. My heroes go back to Kelly and Roche, Pantani, Armstrong (before the truth came out,) Delgado, Indurain, Bontrager etc...then as Britain caught the cycling bug heading towards the 2012 Olympics its like my eyes opened up to a wider world. Now I can't get enough. The Tour de France is still the big one but no longer a favourite. British riders are  common in the world tour peletons and rather than having a few individual heroes like Cav there's loads. Up to this point you might notice I've only mentioned the male riders. That was intentional. I pride myself as an advocate for female sport. I follow as many elite ladies as I do men. Again in Britain 🇬🇧 we have so much talent coming through. Locally I get to coach, train and ride alongside some amazing ladies. However the female side of the sport is still underfunded and receives less coverage. I would like this to change...which takes me back to the TDF, in my opinion there needs to be a proper female Tour de France. To finish this section I'll say it was as important to me to know that Marianne Vos won at the weekend as it was Wout van Aert.

With the return of coaching we also get events back. Racing, time trials, coaching and organised group rides rely on volunteers. Put simply, without volunteers we wouldn't have the events we love. One of the clubs I'm associated with, Rockingham Forest Wheelers* needs volunteers to Marshall for its Sunday morning time trials. Its a great way to see a bit of racing and give a bit back to the sport. I would do this but Junior Parkrun is about to start back up and its at the same time. I will take my turn later in the year at evening events. So if you feel like helping out please do. If you're worried you won't know what you're doing, just ask. All the clubs are full of friendly people who will be pleased to have your help.

*other clubs are available, locally I'm sure Kettering Cycling Club (my primary club,) and Welland Valley CC are looking for help too!

With those soapbox announcements over...group rides are back! Yes from Monday the roadmap moved on and we can ride together in groups of six informally or 15 in organised events. This is brilliant news. I'm not sure when I'll get to do this but...it won't be long now. We can also start coaching again, something else I'm looking forward to, those crazy kids keep me sane!

Happy Pedalling 

She's coming home!

There's not much cycling in the blog this week. What you will find is a Lee update (there's a spoiler in the title,) running (sorry cyclists,) an afterwork ride and that's about it!

On Tuesday I was allowed to be in the same room as Lee for the first time since January the 11th. Her physio invited me in to see her exercises so we can continue these at home. The Queen of cakes and I were like lovestruck teenagers. It was wonderful and I can't thank the unit enough for allowing this to happen. Things are moving so fast now, Lee is ready to come home just one month after being discharged from intensive care. So at some point next week Lee will be sitting in a new armchair right next to me. I can't wait. Its going to be emotional!!!

In the week I took running up again. I hadn't been for a run since January 9th. It was a run with the dogs too which hasn't happened since Parkrun stopped in February 2020. Charity resumed running with me like she has never stopped. Bruce does his own thing whilst we run. He's such a good dog that I can trust him completely. Parkrun is coming back as is junior Parkrun so I need this training!!!

I ran on Tuesday and Thursday. The meat in that running sandwich was an afterwork cycle ride on Wednesday. Nothing special about the route, it was just nice riding into the sunset for the first time this year.

This weekend I've done things a bit differently. I went fishing because I'm not sure when I can go again. Also because the light is coming back and the fishes are getting lively! 

Today I've been getting the house ready for Lee to come home. As soon as she is here I'm taking four weeks off work. I have been incredibly well supported in order to make this possible. Maybe there will be more cycling next week!

Happy Pedalling 

Lindsley family 5 Covid 0

I have not been outside on my bike this week. That's rubbish isn't it! However the blog currently has a dual purpose. There's an update on Lee and a fair bit of cycling by others to discuss.

Christmas day...Happy Times before the virus was an unwelcome visitor

Let's do the Queen of Cakes progress report first. Lee has settled into her rehab unit and is doing well. In non covid times Beechwood is typically used for people recovering from strokes and brain injuries. Lee's needs are currently similar, she is learning to walk and do all of her acitivies of daily living (PADL'S for my OT colleagues.) She is doing really well. Lee is  pleased to have a week of doing things she hasn't managed since being admitted to hospital on the 11th of January. Things like having a shower, putting shoes and socks on etc. All stuff that we take for granted, even just sitting in a chair is hard work right now. Every day she gets stronger and does a little more. Being in Wellingborough is kinder on us too. We cannot visit Lee still but we can easily get things to her and collect her washing. The staff are fabulous, which makes me even prouder because they're not just NHS they work for the same division as me. Whenever I'm on WhatsApp video to Lee someone will say hello. We most commonly talk whilst I walk the dogs before work. Lee has even been able to have her vaccination on the unit. We wondered why she hadn't been offered this in hospital but happily NHFT take a common sense approach. We have a meeting tomorrow for goal setting, so we should know when Lee could come home! Imagine that...I have many times and it's made me cry! That happy day is coming...oh ffs I made myself cry typing that! To cheer everyone up I can report Lee's first goal was to be able to wipe her own bottom! Even better I can report that goal was achieved today!!!

The only bike I've used this weekend!

So why no cycling? Well its due to the windy weather. I think I might normally have braved it today but yesterday was beyond my safety limits. Additionally I decided it wouldn't be that clever if both of us were in hospital!!! So I've literally done one rollers session and loads of dog walks. 

Specs lane Ford

In the week my good cycling friend Phil W was doing laps of Spectacle Lane near Moulton. Previously I'd warned him that I had an accident in that very Ford leading to 5 stitches in my leg. 

Apparently you're not supposed to cycle with stitches in your leg, so the wound didn't close and I ended up with a manky gash. 

Phil also crashed in the Ford, doing what was previously known as Richard and from now on will be known as a Philchard! All of the cyclists now want to know one thing...no not is Phil alright...its did Phil damage his bike?

Yep he broke his handle bars! Unlucky mate!!!

In other news, Josh Brown is about to get 2 blog mentions in 2 weeks. Josh has joined a team I can't spell or even say but lucky for me they did an article on it! I've been fortunate to see Josh's development from a coaches and a ride mate point of view and it makes me proud. Even prouder are Andy and Sarah, his parents and rightfully so. I don't think Josh will be the last Cyclone to go on to big things. Check out the link below.

https://www.velouk.net/2021/03/11/qa-josh-brown-tofauti-everyone-active/

Well thats it, I'll try and do more riding next week. Until then...

Happy Pedalling 😊 

Back to work, Queen of Cakes update and a bit of cycling...

It's been another emotional and rewarding week; I returned to work, Lee continues to recover well, the dogs have been well walked and although less than last week, I got some bike miles in.

So Lee has made fantastic progress over the week. She has been able to stand, take a few steps and is now able to eat a normal diet. On the day her swallowing was given the all clear, all she wanted was an orange. A member of nursing staff gave her one from her lunch box! Then they all went on a mission to find as many oranges as possible. The care Lee received at Boston Pilgrim Hospital was excellent. Often we'd be talking on WhatsApp video and they'd come in and say hello. Lee left Boston today and has moved to Isebrook Hospital. The bed she is in, is part of Northamptonshire Health care NHS Foundation Trust,  which we both work for. When Lee was told she needed a rehab bed, but they were unsure who to contact, I emailed a colleague and it all got sorted from there! I have dropped stuff off at the unit  you still can't visit but I talked to staff and it appears to be a lovely place which will help Lee a great deal. 

My return to work was lovely. I have never felt so appreciated in my life. Everyone made me feel welcome, they got Lee and I a brilliant hamper of goodies. I probably spent 50% of the week talking about Lee but I also got a lot of work done too. I also feel better to be doing my bit for the NHS.

Being back at work limited my opportunities to get out on the bike especially as I walk the dogs every morning. I do enjoy my dog walks too!

So this week I've had two outside rides and a rollers session

On Saturday I got out a bit later than expected. I was defrosting our pesky freezer and it took way longer than expected. Whilst waiting I watched Strade Bianche on GCN+. What a race! I think I have had my moneys worth already. When I did get out I took my propel and went on a bit of a backwards route. First up I went up the hill to Loddington.

I decided to take church pics from a distance. I headed from Loddington to Old down my favourite road, Mill Lane.

Then I went up to Lamport, round to Draughton, Harrington and home. On the way out of Harrington I was going at good pace so felt a bit miffed when two cyclists caught me up. Then I saw it was Josh Brown, a very talented young man and I wasn't so bothered. Great to see the former Cyclone out and about!

Harrington

Today I set out to do a couple of hours whilst Lee was travelling from Boston to Wellingborough. I decided to check out the Naesby battlefield but early on my legs and in fact my heart wasn't in it at all!

Clipston Church

Fairfax's view

obelisk commemorating the battle

As soon as I decided to head home my legs picked up! Clearly I was worrying about Lee's transfer and I just wanted to be home. My motivation peaked when an ebike overtook me on the hill out of Kelmarsh. I caught up with the rider and had a good chat before getting into a really good pace home. I think I probably averaged about 13mph for the first 2/3rds of the ride and about 20mph for the last third. Legs are funny things. I've done blogs before about the battlefield site. If your interested in more check out the battlefield website   https://www.naseby.com/

So its a short and sweet blog this week. Big shout out to all my cycling friends getting good miles in. There seems to be a real surge in distance on Strava so kudos to all the lycra loonies!

Happy Pedalling