Lazy leave week with a busy end!

2020 has been the most bizarre of years. Instead of currently being in Australia we're on a fortnight staycation. The plan is to make the best of things whilst getting some needed R&R.

On Monday I  set out for Kettering to coach those great kids at KCC Cyclones. I was a bit lethargic before hopping on my bike and as usual a few minutes in I was feeling great again. I've also been working on the best off road route to Ise Lodge. Its been a few years since I tried the trails around the back of Brambleside and into Weekley Glebe. What I discovered was a lovely surprise of fun single track!

Coaching itself was a joy. I only had a rough plan as you can't be sure of the groups at this time of year. We had a blast making use of natural features such as trees to practise cornering and gears. 

I had a great fun ride home back through the single track, across Weekley Woods and down the track to Rushton.

On Tuesday I was lucky enough to spend some time fishing at Andy P's House. It was lovely to sit by the river. Not much action on a bright sunny day but very relaxing and as usual the hosts were exceptional!

On Wednesday I had a delivery I'd been waiting for. All of my bikes had bar tape that was frankly embarrassing. On my CX and one of the road bikes I'd previously put some glowing grey camo tape on. This looked spectacular to start with but now looked shabby.

Much better!

For my Giant Propel, the white saddle, pedals, bottle cage and bar tape had looked great when they were new. Now I'm on a mission to replace the lot with black.

This Giant branded tape came with Giant plug ends and I'm way happier with how this looks. As for my taping skills...well after 3 bikes in a week I have achieved "acceptable!"

I have alao solved a mystery. Every week I was getting a brownish red mark on my neck from my chin strap.

The culprit was the hook I hang my helmet on is going rusty! I'm guessing the corrosion is due to my sweaty helmet!!! So I've solved that problem with some insulation tape!

Sam and I were due to go to Rocko TT again on Wednesday evening and a lot of that taping was about making the bikes more presentable for racing. However it was a blistering hot day and Sam was not impressed by the idea. A reduced field did pin on a number. Kudos to them but I was thankful that Sam wanted to leave it for another day!

Friday was supposed to be a big rest day for me because I knew Saturday was going to be tough! Mrs L and I had free tickets to Althorp House grounds courtesy of being NHS staff. 

The house isn't open to the public right now but the grounds alone are worth the visit. The tribute to Diana is very well maintained. I loved the quote on her memorial.

Making a day of it we also had a wander around Coton Manor House Gardens. Not a freebie but you can see where the £8 entry fee is spent. We were a bit younger than the average visitor. I had neither dressed in socks and sandals in solid octogenarian beige or elected for full himalayan hiking kit. So we felt young and trendy for the first time in a long time. (Trendy...there's a word that ages me!)

After some quality time with Mrs L I thought I could get my feet up and relax watching the 🏏 cricket. That was going to plan nicely until her friend arrived and I ended up a ladder picking apples...no worries I sat back down again to relax...then I was asked how many bricks we had left in the garden...coming dear! I counted 248 and was told not to be stupid...Mrs L then also counted 248. She then told me her cousin was on the way round with a van as she needed the bricks!!! Operation wheelbarrow went into full swing and before long I was sweating cobs on my rest day...no matter after a dog walk I did get some rest! I also stuck to alcohol free beer that night!

Saturday morning started with a run! Matthew Peleszok had kindly enlisted my help as part of the Desborough Runners virtual relay team. My slot was at 7am so I'd still be able to go for a group ride. I did my best for my alloted 30 minutes but I was not on top running form. I'm not sure if I was putting myself under pressure or just holding back because I was going out on my bike.

When I got home I seriously doubted I wanted to go for a bike ride. However Matt messaged me and wished me a good ride. So then I felt obligated to go! 

As in previous week a group of us met at Kettering Swimming Pool. We set off in three groups. I joined Neil, Steve Duke and 'Big Richard,' in group 2.

The planned route was about 43 miles heading out to Raunds, round the back of Rushden, through Grendon, up Earls Barton hill and into Orlingbury for coffee via that gloriously quick Sywell straight.

After my run I was not feeling it at all. However the answer to almost every problem is cycling. Well, that and banter. As ever we laughed almost as much as we pedalled and by 20 miles I started to really enjoy it. Big thanks here to Mr Duke for ensuring his Strava profile picture has a full view of the scenery from his recent Cornish holiday. Thank goodness for the man's bare faced cheek. Also thanks to Neil for his suggested banana 🍌 break where group 3 caught up with us.

We rode together from there with no worries about social distancing as Bruce and Amy left us all in their wake. We had no choice but to stop in Wollaston for the traditional inbetweeners picture.

On the way out of Mears Ashby we encountered a car driver who needs the sign above for his personalised number plate. This utter twit tried to overtake us on a narrow road with another car heading towards us. His solution was to pull into the middle of the group, beeping angrily. Luckily the car headed towards us had better sense and stopped. I'm not especially proud of our angry response, the driver knows in uncertain terms how we felt! However the most bewildering thing was he pointed at his dash cam. I really hope the misguided moron takes his footage to the police. 

Rant over. On the whole cyclist v motorist debate I have always felt there needs to be tolerance on both sides. On a 58 miles four hour ride, this was the only issue. That means for most of the time there isn't a problem. However one pillock can spoil the day...or to quote the Sterophonics...it only takes one match to burn a thousand trees.

Once the drama was passed we got onto the quick road to Harrowden. Having all lied about taking it easy we organised into a chain resulting in a sprint. I tried to match Amy but saw my heart rate go through 180bpm and thought better of it. Wobbly legs then took me up the hill into Orlingbury.

The cafe already had about £30k of carbon sat outside when we arrived. Its no wonder this is a popular stop. Even though they have the BEST sausage rolls I opted for a bacon, sausage and egg bap.

I think everyone had milkshake envy when Mark's drink arrived! Richard G helpfully asked them to refer to him as "big Richard," so our drinks didn't get mixed up. 

After the cafe stop Bruce joined me as we tried to find the flattest route home. I was now shattered and wobbling along at about 13mph. Bruce stayed with me until Orton and then headed off for even more miles! I was close to 100k fondo distance but just couldn't be bothered to do four more miles. 58 is and odd number to stop on, even weirder as its 95ish km but I was glad to get home. I'd taken the magic magnesium after my run otherwise I'm sure this would have been a crampy last few miles!

I rewarded my self with some quality Belgian and German beers. 

Today I'm having a recovery day, with plans for more big rides next week. All I've done is a damp and muddy dog walk. 

This afternoon the recovery nutrition will be maintained with Mum's Sunday lunch and Dad's cider before we settle down as a family to watch Saints v Wasps. My Nan is the biggest fan and the telly will get quite a telling off if the Saints don't play well!!!

Big shout out to Steve Coombs who continues his epic ride unsupported xthrough France on the French Divide 2020

The only other thing to mention is the Dauphine is in full spin and I'm enjoying the traditional warm up to the Tour de France. Right now Roglic looks firm favourite for the TdF and Ineos look in decline. However this is 2020...who knows what will happen! (UPDATE Roglic retired from race!)

Happy Pedalling 

A little bit of everything!

Another great week of cycling, running and dog walking. It started with coaching at KCC Cyclones, a couple of 5k runs, some solo rides, off and on road, taking Sam to RFW TT and the big group ride of the week.

No images from my coaching session. I was very tired before I got to cyclones. That 111 mile ride from the weekend was still in my legs and I was on the countdown to a couple of weeks of leave. However coaching the kids did the trick, I perked right up and pretty soon I was wishing I'd ridden over to Kettering rather than throwing the bike in my car. 

On Tuesday morning I wanted a sneaky recon ride on my MTB to find the sunflowers 🌻 everyone is talking about. I had a fun off road spin using the tracks from Rushton to Pipewell.

It was a beautiful morning and wish I had a better camera to show this off!

From Pipewell I headed to the trails in Desborough Greenspace (or the Plens.) The kids have been busy in the woods rebuilding the jumps and adding some scary gaps. I had a look but definitely took the wetty lines to avoid injuries!!!

Then I got to the leisure centre and couldn't resist a go on the pump track. No kids were there to laugh at the silly old man. 

Then I took Desborough's little piece of Strade Bianche over to those sunflowers. Totally worth a visit! Even at 07.30 a few people had come for a look.

Operation Helianthus was a success and I brought the Queen of Cakes back for an evening walk with the dogs.

On Wednesday morning I headed out for my first run of the week. This was my fastest run in ages on this hilly route so I was quite pleased with myself.

On Wednesday evening I took Sam over to Middleton and the Rockingham Forest Wheelers clubhouse. Sam wants to do TT but football is his first love. KCC TT is on Thursday and this clashes with football training. So he's joined RFW and as an official club tart RFW is also a 2nd claim club for me. We received a warm welcome and Sam was soon kitted out in a RFW Jersey. 

15 years old Sam is now about my height and I'm sure it won't be long before I'm the shortest Lindsley male again. Sam did well considering how little he's ridden lately. He has a time to improve on now. I love the course, its a lovely part of our county.

Due to road closures it will be a different course next week. Its a hilly one...I'm sure this will cost me a McDonald's!!!

On Thursday morning I just needed to get more miles in my legs and headed out for my standard spin. I had a slight detour due to a road closure. It was just nice to be out! No pictures I was too busy letting my cycling do its wellbeing work!

I was really on it last week and headed out for another run on Friday. I didn't feel as spritely as Wednesday but was still going okay until the single track heading up the hill back into Rothwell. Also walking up the hill blocking the path was a large gentleman. It was a warm morning but possibly a bit early for being topless and there is no appropriate time of the day for that builders bum! As I got closer I saw the Ricky Hatton and Tyson Fury tatoos on his calfs. He appeared to be mumbling to himself. I gave up and walked at a safe distance after a couple of attempts to get his attention "excuse me can I get past please!" When it was wide enough to pass I spotted the problem...ear pods. He had no idea I was there and didn't even really notice me run by. Ear pods and oblivious people are my second least favourite thing after extending dog leads. 

On Saturday it was time for the big group ride of the week. It was already hot by the time we met at 8.45. 15 of us turned up so we did 3 groups of five. Scarily I found myself in a group with superfast Graham on his delicious Trek. Also with me was Mark Skinner who set off like a rocket, Ian and Andy P.

I was also testing my new gripgrap sweat wicking, 50+ spf, cooling, comfort skull cap. This thing works! My head felt warmer to start but never got hot. Also there are added benefits for us baldies. I hate it when an insect flies into my helmet. I can feel it crawling on my head. With this skull cap, you can't feel them!

After last weeks massive ride it was nice to scale down to a sensible not quite 50 miles. To celebrate the fact Richard G asked that the original route was extended a little...then Richard couldn't make it. No word from him yet I hope he's okay.

So after a brief banana break under the famous Harringworth viaduct we headed up the hill to Gretton. After that we did Rockingham hill and just so we paid the complete tax of fools we headed down to Cottingham and back up school hill! My legs were broken after that but it was only a short ride to the coffee stop at the Fox and Peony.

Due to Graham and Mark setting the pace we were there for ages before the other groups arrived. The sausage and bacon bap was top quality. I'd also managed to drink both bottles to prevent dehydration this week.

A big shout out to another couple of cycling friends. I have massive cycling envy for Hans Van Nierop's current adventures in the alps. A bit like Sarah and Steve a few weeks back there are daily pictures of epic climbs on mountains that feature in the Tour de France.

Then taking it to another level is Steve Coombs. He's cureently in an off road MTB race from Belgium to the Pyrenees, through rural France, with a maximum 14.5 days allowed to reach the complete the 1400 miles. It's a self supported ride, no assistance or prearranged accommodation is allowed. I'm looking forward to the pictures and the full story.

Happy Pedalling 

Cransley Big Cycle and a whole lot more!

The main event this week was my longest ride of the year, all for the well deserving Cransley Hospice. Its also ten years to the day that my good friend Nigel did his LEJOG tandem ride. A few other bits to discuss including the return of professional racing with the Strade Bianche.

My first exercise of the week after a couple of rest days was a 10k run. I realised I hadn't ticked off my July 10k on Strava so with a few days left I decided to get it done! I felt strong on this run, it wasn't quick but it was comfortable.

On Thursday I went for a light morning spin. I wanted to get my legs moving but keep some energy for Saturday's planned 100 mile ride. It was a beautiful morning and just enriching to be out on my bike!

The ideal preparation for Saturday would have been clean eating, alcohol in moderation and plenty of sleep...well Thursday night didn't go to plan! I was a good boy on Friday but the extremely hot day led to a poor night's sleep. 

On Saturday I met up with the usual crowd at Kettering swimming pool. It was a 07:30 start so I'd expected a small group. There was 13 of us! We organised into two groups to make a 6 and 7. Almost compliant with guidance! I set off with the first group of Mark, Neil, Adam, Pete and Ashley. Group 2 was Andy P, Mike, Marcus, Amy, Nat, Paul and Richard G.

My plan was to tuck in and conserve my energy...that lasted for a couple of miles and then I found my legs and started taking turns in the front. My brakes for some reason were the noisiest things on the planet. My early theory was that I'd got some GT85 on my rims when I cleaned my bike. However I'm now going with Pete's theory that I need new blocks! I've purchased them already Mr Rowbotham!

Another point of interest was Neil's pink and orange drink combination. Apparently its koppenberg and hooch. 

First banana 🍌 break, nearly 30 miles for me. Spirits were high, the weather was glorious and we were making good time.

The pace was good all the way to our cafe stop at Grafham water. An average of 17mph is great for me...I can't remember the last time I sustained that over 55 miles. For other cyclists I know this wouldn't be unusual, I'd love to be like that one day!

Group 2 arrived at the cafe shortly after us. They'd reduced to 6 after 10 miles because Richard G needed to go home. Not his day! Never mind Richard there will be better times for you! Also at Grafham Nat and Ashley decided 100 was too much. Details of why shall remain in the group for Nat and for Ashley he's recovering from an injury and like me had probably been pushing too hard on the front! 

I'm never good after a stop and it took a while to get going again. I had planned to drink both bottles by the first stop. However I still had a whole bottle of my special mix of 50:50 pure orange juice and water with a pinch of salt.  Big mistake! I started falling behind but in my usual style I'd catch up on the downhills and flats. On one such downhill I rounded a corner to suddenly find the others stopped at a junction. I locked up those noisy brakes, did a power slide and ended up on the wrong side of the road narrowly avoiding a collision with a car. What a pillock! The adrenalin kick did help my peddaling for a few miles!

At around 70 miles I gave some of Bruce's magic magnesium a go! No cramp on the ride so I think it worked!!! I've ordered a load more and will use it on every ride. We had to stop at Hamerton for the traditional picture. Adam took it and so we took a picture of him!

My drink was nearly gone at 75 miles but that was okay, the next stop at Elton wasn't far. Group two joined as there shortly after we'd made our purchases. It was a perfect place to stop. A can of coke plus a solero went down nicely. I bought a couple of bottles of lucozade sport too. I didn't tell anyone but I had a headache and felt a bit sick. A clear sign of dehydration! Anyway the banter in the group distracted me nicely and it was less than 30 to go. I knew I'd make that!

An excellent range of fruit and veg. Lots of general buffoonery and Adam got excited about a lovely salad.

I was slowy mcslow face as we headed out again. I'd have occasional bursts of energy but started to fall off the pace. Andy and Mike hung back and drafted me to Aldwinkle. The hill up to Islip was agony. The group waited for me in the grim bus stop and banter flowed before Andy headed back down the hill to Denford. I let the group know I was heading home via Grafton. Neil helped me to the crossroads where the rest waited to say goodbye. That was a lovely gesture, my ride mates are great people. We occasionally forget ourselves and have a full on love in before returning to more socially acceptable put downs and banter! Unbelievably some of them are doing another 100 tomorrow! 

Then I ground home. Those two bottles of lucozade sport were nearly gone and I was still very thirsty. I wonder if I could keep up if I hydrated more effectively or if its just not possible for me to get enough liquid in to compensate for the amount I lose on a long ride? Its very gross but the steady drip of sweat from my helmet tells a tale. Another purchase I've made today is one of those cooling skullcaps. It might be a game changer!!! 

I planned to ride from Geddington through Newton and onto Rushton but I couldn't face that terrifying road crossing. So instead I went a bit gravel classic and headed through weekly woods to Glendon. Then it was just down bunker hill into Rothwell and up the hill to my house. 111 miles. I was the most knackered I've been in ages. After a pint of milk and a shower I weighed myself and was 3lbs lighter than I'd been before I set out that morning. Most of that must be water and that just shows how dehydrated I must have been. Also the headache and sickness went after a few cups of tea! According to myfitnesspal I'd also burned over 5000kcal! So I put that back in with a few quality ales and a barbecue of steak, chicken breast and pork belly!

Charity supervised the cooking, but after I felt recovered I wore her out with a long walk. It was the best thing to stretch out my legs. Earlier on I had to ask Sam to take my socks off because I couldn't bend over!!!

On Sunday Sam and I headed over to Cottingham so I could show him the Rockingham Forest Wheelers TT course. We did a very leisurely lap and I think Sam will get on great. More money was spent as his bib shorts now look about 3 sizes too small and so are his gloves! At least he fits my bikes...for now! No strava to show you because we both left it running on the drive home!!!

This time ten years ago I joined my good friend Nigel and his friend Keira for a ride from Chipping Norton to Northampton. This was one of their shorter days on their tandem ride from Lands End to John O'Groats. It feels apt that this 10th anniversary has happened in the same week that the round the world record for a tandem was beaten. No pressure Nigel and Keira.

Here's Nigel's account:

10 years ago yesterday!

Day 5

Chipping Norton to Northampton

52 miles

38.6 mph top speed

Total milage yesterday +52!!

Yesterday started with the short journey up the hill with Kyla and Callum for company. As we turned the corner to the Town Hall we were greeted by a fantastic group of friends from the sailing club and C block of Northampton Saints.

We had the team photo and set of in a long line. Looking in the rear view mirror was like seeing the pelaton on the telly. The first casualty of the day was Harry. After a couple of miles he had a blow out in the rear. This meant the whole group split into pieces. And that is how we carried on for the rest of the trip, despite having several stops to get together again.

It was so much fun riding with friends around us that the miles just flew by. Thanks must go to the support crews who followed and swapped bikes and cyclists as the day went on.

One of the stopping points was the White Heart in Flore. Derek, a C blocker has recently had a stroke and was out of hospital for the day to come back to his pub to meet us. Strongie organised a whip round and our total has been boosted by over fifty quid.

From Flore we rode over to Northampton to Eric and Carol's place to be greeted by a fantastic spread and the required carb loading for the next day. We would like to thank everybody who turned out to make this day so special. I think I smiled for the whole day.

There is one small point that needs to be made. If you are riding along, beside your father, make sure he doesn't force you off the road into the brambles. Poor Emma's arms and legs looked like they had been dragged through a hedge backwards, or was it forwards.

Chunky videoed whilst riding and the results can be seen here.

In racing news the Strade Bianche took place this weekend. With lots of gravel I'd say this is my type of ride. This GCN video tells quite the tale and if you've never read about Gino Bartali then you're in for a treat!

I think that's enough for one blog!

Happy Pedalling