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Scotland trip part 3 lockinver Scotland trip part 3 lockinver THE MAD circuit
- From: pcanh
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Description:
Now we were back on the road heading for Lockinver, this was the last leg of the tour. we got to Lockinver in a few hours, but on the road there we saw the same cyclist we had seen on the Apple cross circuit! we could not beleive it they must have been on the road all day, they must have done 120 miles!! it was windy, and we were glad not to be any of them. At Lockinver we stayed in the rose guest house not far from the "Mad circuit" we were going to do.we checked in i had a shower seeing has we did not have time at Launa`s got our bags sorted then down to Lockinver harbor to a restaurant for some food about 7.00 pm, again very expensive, steak pie veg etc £15. money was running low now with just enough left for accommodation bill. we headed back up the hill to the guest house, back for about 10.30 and got our head down me and Richard were in double singles bed room, it was quit cold, so we put the halogen heater on, and tryed to dry our cycling clothes hung all over the place has well. we had breakfast now been Friday and it was raining! we got the bikes out of the car and i had to lower the bars so my position was not so upright, i had de-marchi`s on neoprene over shoes gloves the works on today, rest of them were bare legged, and being men again. Off we rode and soon has we turned left up the main road we were straight on to a climb, i was on the 29 sprocket again my legs were cabbaged, not warmed up yet, right shock to system first thing. we climbed for about 1/4 mile then we turned off the road on to the B869, down a descent, round some twisting roads,more up aand down.we went though Rhicarn another few house village with nobody about, on the road to Clachtoll, some thing caught my eye on the descent, i saw the most unusual thing, a beach, in the middle of nowhere, this was Achmelvich beach, pity it was raining has it looked very nice, i read a report that the water is clear and there are all sorts of fish here sea trout, mackerel. In summer it is lovely place so they say.I did not have time for a good look or a photo has we were descending at speed, good job, a wagon came towards me nearly on the wrong side of road, he was not expecting to see cyclists on this road! i was on my own, the others were trailing behind good job if we had been grouped i think some of us would have been wiped out!! we came to a village called Stoer on a slight rise still pushing though, on to Reinachait going down again on to clash nessi another beach in let in the middle of nowhere following cast road now or was it a loch hard to tell the difference between sea and loch`s has the water stretches for miles.We came in to another village called Clashnessie with water fall in the distance running down a cliff face, also another beach in let, on to Drumbeg bit of a climb in here , and dropped down in to loch Ruisheen covered in lilies, i was wondering if there was any big carp in here has i use to be a angler before i started cycling again, it looked good. Still descending in to a place called quing then to Nedd all these villages only have a few houses, you don't see no people about.Now we hit a nice 1 in 4 climb double i blew a gasket on this, my mate Richard battered off, Pete followed, i was third legs did not feel good i was weak, i had to climb off, has i did not know how long or steep this went on for, Paul, Peter brother came past me on the 32 out of the saddle he was well gasping and sweating he only just made it up, i only walked a few feet then jumped back on, struggled to clip in, but got going again, i was not far of the top, dam nearly made it the first time, i rammed a gel bar and nutragrin bar down me and loads of fluid. we went down hill to loch Chairn Bhain there was a fish farm on the left, we got near the Quinag mountain pass it was a loNG road up, did not look steep, but...... once on it, it was a right grind 29 rear sprocket got a right hammering in to head wind now i was struggling to ride at front with Richard has he was pedaling well, i dropped off, theres a massive switch back, must be a mile long then it goes up a bit more, Richard and Pete rode away, i was in no mans land , Paul, was mile of the back i tried chasing to catch them up front but the wind was knocking my speed down, i decided to slow and turned round for and went back for Paul, he i thought he may had punctured has i could not see him behind me, he caught me we rode to the top then the descent came, what can i say, it was great, long road with gradual bends 53x12 in to wind. We met up at junction at bottom, i said to Richard don't mind us i will go back for team mate!!we were on the last leg of the home would stretch, we were on the main road to Lockinver we followed road past loch Assynt but the road was evil really long drags which zapped your strength, the gel bar was just starting to take affect about time has i was hanging out my arse on these rolling drags, Richard was winding it up has he does on the last hour of any ride! i called him a half wheeling so so, and asked Pete to go up front and i sat on for a bit, Paul had a go up front, my legs were burning now, what was this strange feeling i said?, Pete said it was Lactic burn! oh yes Ive herd of that when you muscles are nearly depleted!, Pete said have you never had that before? no i said, Richard said your not going hard enough!!! YA WEAK. any way i hung back,and on the last climb we were all full chat out of saddle and i attacked from back with 1k to go, i was on big ring and nobody came with me, i was first back to guest house. Pete and Paul came in a few minutes later, with my room key , wheres Richard?, he`s gone to do another hour Pete said, you what is he mad!, later when Richard came in i said where you been?, Ive been up some more climbs, he reckons he had not done enough on bike!!. 38.55 miles in 2 hrs 58, all uphill in the rain.
- Blog post
- 4 weeks ago
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scotland trip part 2 applecros scotland trip part 2 applecross penisula
- From: pcanh
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Description:
We packed our gear away and loaded the bikes on to car and said farewell to Portree and headed for Shieldaig, we were stopping at B&B bungalow, Launa`s situated down by a massive inlet/ loch, we got to shieldig about 6pm and head dinner in a pub there, again expensive, we phoned Launa up to say we were in the area and would be there about 7 pm. Got to Launa`s really nice place on suite shower, nice lounge over looking the loch.We got a early night, not for me though i did not sleep much, went for breakfast at 8 pm Thursday and the two brothers Pete and Paul were on there second coarse Pete had the salmon after the cereal, then more toast, fresh orange tea.I had just two poached eggs and some tomato plus some fresh orange, i dint want to over do it!!. my mate Richard had cereal and fresh orange some toast? we got changed and unloaded the bikes again. we set of about 10 am and it was raining has forecast but still warm,i had a light jacket with rain jacket over top and leg warmers, over shoes plus full gloves on the others where bare legs and rain jackets!! we went round coast road to Apple cross nothing too bad hill wise but we seem to be crawling at 13 mph!! i was batting off to get warmed up, the other two Pete and Paul had too much to hence the slow start. We got to Applecross village and turned left, there was a lone cyclist stood on the junction who wished us luck? rather nice i thought, was it that bad? i did the holy cross across my chest like the pros do! he must have been wailing for his mates has loads passed us on the way down, on to the climb known has Banach na ba (pass of the cattle) narrow B road this is the second highest road in Britain it goes from 0 to 626 mtrs or 2054 feet in 6 miles, we rounded the first hair pin and it starts to go up i was on the 29 sprocket already trying to peddle it in the saddle, my mate Richard was on the 23 26 and pulled away, Paul and Pete were on the 32`s we had a conversation about 32, but my mate Richard reckon you don,t need it.. wrong!! i past the two brothers and gained distance trying to catch Richard but he was well away, it was now low cloud and raining and very grim up here the road was a it crap and if you were not careful you could end up going over the side and ending up down a ravine or gorge, the traffic was coming up and down did not help has we had to keep pulling in to a passing place but still clipped in and just keep rolling so not to unclip has getting going from standing start was hard. The climb was never ending by now my lower back was hurting with the constant pushing, i was having to sit forward on the saddle to ease this, i was a bit fed up by now, Richard disappeared in to the cloud, but he turned round and came back down!! to see if we were OK !! we re-grouped and rode together for the top, which was a big passing place, this must have been the vantage point,but you could not see nothing because of the low cloud, Now came the worst bit the decent, with the many hair pins like (Alp Du huez), in the rain, cold and wet we started down, we were full on the brakes at 35+mph trying to stop for the left hand hair pin, my arms were hurting with constant breaking, the road was pot holed so that did not help, a crash down here and it would be a helicopter job to Inverness miles away. but we all kept up right.My phone was ringing, i knew it was the wife has there was no signal in Launa`s place, i ignored it has i dare not stop, i did manage to stop later down a straight bit and had a quick chat, then off down again, by this time i was cold and shaking, we finally got to the bottom thank god for that, had a wee and rammed a gel bar and some fluid down me, we got to a junction and turned for Tornapress A896 back on main road, we headed back towards shieldig, and to Launa`s but the road back was torture with a few long steep climbs, climb up then decent, back up then down, just what you need when you have done the 6 mile Banach na ba .i remember seeing these roads on way to Launa`s not thinking we would be coming back this way. We saw the same cyclists who past us down the ba coming the other way, i think the were Irish or German? we ground up another alpine like climb which goes round the mountain! another 29 sprocket job.By this time the gel bars had kicked in and i felt good on the climbs, and i was riding away, i kept battering it down descents to get good run at climbs, i did the 1k to go stage finish to Launa`s like a loony to get back first. It was clothes off and changed no time for shower, bikes back on car and on the road to Lockinver further north.
- Blog post
- 4 weeks ago
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old man of store, applecross, old man of store, applecross, and the mad at lockinver part 1
- From: pcanh
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Description:
Been a while since last bloged on here, still riding, been up to Scotland in July 2010 last month 4 of us traveled for 10 hours up to Ilse of Sky, then to Applecross then to Lockinver all on west coast of Scotland. We all drove in a Renault espace people carrier, 2 bikes on the boot rack and 2 in the boot plus all our luggage bit of a squeeze, oh and i took loads of spares! chains, rear mech, skewers, spokes, most of bike shop! where we we going theres no bike shops for miles. Any way we got to Ilse of Sky 6 pm that evening, set of at 7.30 am Tuesday in a village called Portree, we booked in to guest house a few miles out of Portree. sorted our gear out then we went in to town for something to eat. Theres a few restaurant and pubs here, my mate showed us a place where Hugh Fernly Wittinstall has, you know the bloke from river cottage?. Very expensive in the restaurant up here, steak pie and veg £10.95, black Cullen beer £4.05, i had to be careful with my money has i had only £150, not paid for accommodation yet. We went in to the local co-op the same beer was £1.58!! what a rip in the restaurants. We had a walk round Portree harbor, bag pipes band were playing, they must have known we were coming LOL. Anyway back to b&b we were in a double and single camp bed room the others were in two single beds room, has they were brothers.I did not sleep much at all that night, it was quite warm out something to do with the gulf stream up her, we could not open the windows has you get bit to death by the bugs, so they said last time they came here.We had breakfast next morning i really cant eat much on a morning, rest of them was stuffing cereal toast. full English etc. we got the bikes ready then off we went, out of guest house turned left and up the A866 coast road heading for the Store. Very rolling up an down. with nice views of the coast, windy today but dry. Has you get 3/4 way round you turn for Staffin and the first major climb 14% 39x 29 job, my mate battered us all on 39x23-26 he was flying up here, he knew the road has he has done it before, i did not know how long or hard to go, other lads Pete was 2nd up and i was third up, Paul Pete`s brother was last up he was on the 32 sprocket, and struggling, these two were Tri Athletes who have been all over the world. Hmm..... they said they have done loads of training in the lake district. we went round the man of store spike rock stuck up, suppose to be oldest rock formation in UK? (see map photo of route) hardly saw any traffic round here, plenty of sheep on the down hill run, my mate Richard nearly hit one at speed, he was lucky another few seconds and he would have been on the road, lots of gravel has well on the bends nice decent though. We got to top of this village/ harbor nice view from top see pictures of Scotland trip. Right grind on way back A87 up and down head wind, we were all struggling taking it in turns at the front, some hills we where down to 13 mph at brow of hill. We got some down hill run in to Portree on main road last few miles which was good. 41.76 mile for 2 hrs 44 most of up hill.
- Blog post
- 1 month ago
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Landis Landis
- From: FaustoCoppi
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Description:
Tosser!
- Blog post
- 4 months ago
- Views: 187
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Hay come back, stop attacking Hay come back, stop attacking me!
- From: FaustoCoppi
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Description:
Slings and arrows my friend, slings and arrows!
I remember sitting in a car outside a hotel nearly three years ago now. My world had almost collapsed as had the Tour de France's last ounce of credability. Its a lonely world when you are tired, emotional and stressed. I was a journalist then and hell had decended on the race I love. I have moved on now as has the peleton and we are all the better for it i think.
2010 and 2 and a half versions of the greatest tour on the racing calendar later; I am still amazed how much this crazy sport we all love has the capacity to shock me. What a day in italy land, what a day. Writing a short review of a day like today must be impossable. What has happened? I missed it all and am gutted. What can you say? The Giro seems to have regressed back to the good old days of cycling, when nothing was taken for granted and beaten heros and rise again from the ashes of defeat and burn bright once again.
Vino et all must have wondered what had hit them. i can tell you now Vino, its called Karma! i hold no grudges and think everyman should be allowed to make mistakes and not be hung out to dry for the rest of their lives, but it is a sweat moment to see a tour result so up in the air after a day that was all about raicing and not about the other nastier aspects of sport.
Bring on the Zoncolan!
- Blog post
- 4 months ago
- Views: 207
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Yes he's back! Yes he's back!
- From: FaustoCoppi
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Description:
Dear All
Like M and M I haver been on a savbatical..sabaticel...sebaticall...A BREAK! I just logged on and was shocked by the lack of action on this site over the last few months, where is ALF? what has happened, none of you are blogging or writing about life, love and everything. Shocking behaviour all i can see is bitching (nothing changes there then).
So i am writing to say hi to all those behind the scenes at cycling tv to say well done. YES, WELL DONE! like the mighty Vino (not the intoxicating liquid, but the intoxicated cyclist) you have come back with a better, cleaner, more exciting model.
Why I hear you shout, well in these days of inflated race rights prices and huge competition they (Cylcing TV) have reinvented themselves and once aghain have a product to shout about. I have not listend to Martin and Maggy on the Giro yet, but anything must be better than Harmons constant name dropping and poor attempts and Italian.
As for the Giro itself, well I have not listened or watched much Cycling recently, but what a race the Giro has been this year, yet again it is showing us it is the best Tour around, yes Lance THE Best.
I must go now, but next time I am on I expect better from you Innertube people.
Lots of Love, Fausto (the greatest artist and worst salesman in the world)
- Blog post
- 4 months ago
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Out of the Blue Healthy Traini Out of the Blue Healthy Training Recipe: Chicken and Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta
- From: solarpowerboy
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Description:
This recipe can make 8 servings. It requires 15 minutes preparation time and 30 minutes actual cooking time. The dish should be ready to serve in 45 minutes. Each serving has 389 calories, 22.2g fats, 26mg cholesterol, 1124mg sodium, 34.3g carbs, and 2.1g dietary fiber.
Ingredients
Skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - 2 pieces
Italian salad dressing (divided) - 1 1/4 cups
Fresh spinach (torn) - 4 cups
Feta cheese (crumbled) - 1/3 cup
Sun-dried tomatoes, packed without oil, chopped - 8 pieces
Focaccia bread (cut into 1/2-inch thick slices) - 1 (1 pound) loaf
Olive oil - 1/4 cup
Directions
1. In a medium sized bowl, marinate the chicken in 1 cup salad dressing. Cover and put inside the refrigerator for at least 3 hours.
2. Use high heat to pre-heat the grill.
3. Slightly oil the grill grate. Get the marinated chicken and grill for 7 minutes per side. Allow the juices to run clear. Cool the chicken and shred.
4. Get a large bowl and place the cooked chicken. Add the spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Feta cheese and remaining dressings.
5. Get the sliced Focaccia bread and brush each side with olive oil. Grill each side of the bread for 1 minute only or until slightly toasted. Top the bread with the chicken mixture and serve hot.
If You're interested in other Italian recipes to follow during Your training programs, You can have a look at the blog of the mediterranean diet recipes association to get more healthy food ideas. - Blog post
- 10 months ago
- Views: 764
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MY BACK IS F@@KED MY BACK IS F@@KED
- From: pcanh
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Description:
Been out today, it took me 1 hour to do TEN MILES yes you read it right, talk about slowwww. i could hardly touch the pedals, reall bad leg pain and siatica could not push. Had plans to do 3 hours thats a laugh, I am so pissed off with my back problem been getting worse for 4 years, still waiting to go to hospital since april. NHS a fucking joke, my hip and back are lop sided, been to docters at least 9 times. iam nearing the end of cycling carrer.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 695
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Tour of Britain Charity Ride! Tour of Britain Charity Ride! Stoke...
- From: Pepe
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Description:
As the Tour of Britain is about to gets under way (sept 09), the teams, routes & publicity caravelle are now in full swing. For those who don't know this year, Unite by Cycling have teamed up with the Tour of Britain to promote Prostate Cancer awareness! To help get the cause promoted they have arranged a sponsored bike ride over two of the stage routes. One in London & the other in Stoke.
I have signed up to do the ride in Stoke on the 6th of Sept, & would like my friends here at The Innertube, to drop by & leave a word or two of encouragement on the official webpage. Here you can read my personel story & watch how I progress over the coming weeks....
Cheers
Chris Maher...
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 651
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TDF Blog fin: Family Outing TDF Blog fin: Family Outing
- From: FaustoCoppi
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Description:
The peleton is like a family and the Tour de France their annual holiday. OK, maybe that last statement is a bit harsh, its a bit than just a holiday, but it does seem to have turned into a glossy brochure for the ASO tourist board. There were some great moments this year, especially Bradley Wiggins valient attempt to reach the podium. I may be biased on that issue, but surely everyone must have been in awe of his, never say die attitude.
But back to the family. Like a family the peleton has its secrets and lies. Forbidden sons are cast adrift, only to be let back, with a warm embrace, to be in the happy (on the surface) family photo. Also, like a family it has its fights and arguments, with fueds often lasting for years. On this ocasion almost the entire family was there, even grandad had come along to enjoy a few days in the sun. The old timer was seldom welcomed before, but now everyone almost excepts his strange old ways. Like an old sailor he always happy to dish out his worldly wisdom and they even put up this 'friendly advice' just to keep the peace. Grandad did, however, proclaim that the youngsters need to listen to their elders more often, but was dignified after his recent fall nad even looked back to his youthfull self on a couple of days. The kids were espeically lively this year. The first couple of weeks the seemed to be seen and not heard, but eventually they got one over the old folks. One naughty boy did get upset when his favourite t-shirt was taken off him, punnishment for pushing in the play ground. But he soon made friends with his playground buddies again, bragging and boasting his way back into their hearts. Mum and Dad have had some hard years of late, every holiday ruined by bad behaviour, sometimes even having to deal with the local police. Mother had asked everyone to play nicely this year and, suprisingly, they did. No one was caught being naughty and no one had to be sent home early. Uncle Tom felt a bit out of sorts, after parting too much earlier in the year. It was a shame really as he had to leave early and he always has been the his and soul of the party. But all in all the family had a nice three weeks, the weather was lovely and many friends were met along the way.
Next year, hopefuly, Mum and Dad will take the family on a more hilly holiday, won't that be fun!
Lots of love and wish you were here
Fausto x
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 634
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How to Cycle Training How to Cycle Training
- From: solarpowerboy
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Description:
I have often been asked how beginners should train if they want to improve fast. I must admit that most of the cycling programs here on Cycling Training Tips are not made for pure beginners, but they are not made for experienced riders either.
The principle of super compensation
When you’ve performed a hard training ride, your body will have to recover before it get’s stronger. How much time you need for recovery depends on the type of training, your overall fitness and nutritional status. There are also some other factors that influence on your recovery time, but for a beginning it is important to know that hard training takes more time to recover from than light training. When you have trained for a while you will start to experience that your legs might feel sore the day after a hard interval workout and feel fresh the day after a light training session. Thus, you are about to get the idea about super compensation. To get the best progress you will need to find the perfect combination of training sessions and recovery.
Frequency, intensity and duration
There are mainly three ways to change the total workload in a training week: Frequency, intensity and duration. E.g. if you train more frequent, ride with a higher intensity (more races, more intervals) or simply just ride more, you will force your body to adapt to these challenges. This way you can reach a higher level of fitness, but your body will not allow you to increase the total workload too fast. Good cyclists make use these buttons to turn up and down the workload all the time. Remember that it is the consistency that makes you a strong cyclist, not just one hard week of biking. Small adjustments over time will help you to become a better cyclist.
Let's assume that our goal is a century ride by July 1—but it's March. What now? We need to build a base so that by May we're ready to ramp up the distance. There are no good shortcuts to putting in base miles. If you try to build up too fast, the risk of injury or burnout increases. A good rule of thumb is to only increase total riding by 10-15% per year and to also limit monthly increases to 10-15%. Building this way should allow us to ride for decades with smiles on our faces!
Weekly long ride
By the end of base training, the goal is to comfortably ride 1/3 to 1/2 of the target distance. Since we'll be riding a century in by July 1, our base preparation goal is to ride 50 miles by the end of April. We live in San Diego, so this much riding is possible; if you live in Minnesota, you might only ride 1/3 of the target distance (33 miles). If you're training for something longer, like B-M-B or RAAM, then by the end of your base, you should be able to ride 1/2 of the daily riding time, e.g., 12 hours if training for RAAM.
The long rides should increase by 5-10% every week, at the same rate as the weekly total. You might try to build up a little faster, but then throw in an easy week every four to six weeks, to allow yourself to recover. The long ride should be about half of your total weekly training volume. This works for long rides up to about 200 miles.
The long ride should simulate the planned event as much as possible. For example, if you're planning a tour, with rest stops every couple of hours and a break for lunch, then ride that way. If you're targeting a race, than train with minimal stops. Only riding time counts, so deduct the time spent at breaks, fixing flats, etc. If possible, simulate the terrain and weather conditions you expect for the event on the weekly training rides.
Pace yourself on the long rides so that you feel good at the end. You may want to do these with other riders to make them safer and more fun, but please don't try to "half wheel" or hammer each other. If you can't carry on a continuous conversation at any time during the long ride (including the climbs) then you are going too hard. The primary purpose of this ride is to have the slowest rider feel good at the finish. Each rider will get the desired benefits, even if they feel that they are "loafing" through most of it.
Exercising at 60% of maximum heart rate for example, is said to predominantly tax the aerobic system in most people. If exercise duration is long enough, the major source of fuel will be fat.
This type of intensity is often favoured by people who want to lose weight and are generally de-conditioned.
A heart rate training zone of 70-80% maximum will still predominantly tax the aerobic system in fitter individuals but the main source of fuel will be carbohydrate, or more specifically, glycogen. This is the heart rate training zone that endurance athletes typically aim for.
Here is a quick example of calculating a heart rate training zone using the age-predicted maximum of 220-age:
Rachel is 35 years old and wants to train for a 10km run.
- Maximum heart rate = 185bpm (220-35)
- Target heart rate zone = 70-80%
- Lower target heart rate = 130bpm (185 x 0.7)
- Upper target heart rate = 148bpm (185 x 0.8)
- Target heart rate zone = 130 - 148bpm
Training to build up your cycling strength is vital if you want to be a seriously fit road biker. Cycle training requires lots of hard work and mental toughness, as well as things like the right kit, but it will be worth all the effort in the end. Here are realbuzz's top 10 tips on how to make the most out of your road bike cycle training.
In excess of one million new bikes are bought each year in the UK, proving that cycling has an enduring popularity for fun, health, fitness and also travelling. Commuting a velo can be a great way to beat the traffic jams and is extremely satisfying when you whiz past lines of stationary vehicles – and is also a great way to keep fit. If you’re thinking of either dusting your bike off and starting to cycle or perhaps progressing your cycling fitness, then look no further. The realbuzz top ten cycling training tips will help you get started and progress safely so that you can get the most out of your cycling training. Our cycling tips include bike advice on:
* Cycle equipment
* Road biking nutrition
* Cycling training hydration
* Specific cycling training
Running low on energy, or ‘bonking’ as cyclists call it, will put paid to your cycling enjoyment. Cycling will increase your energy requirements, so aim to eat small, frequent meals and snacks on the go in order to maintain energy levels. On the bike, carbohydrate drinks will keep you well fuelled – or you could try taking a couple of energy bars which are easy to eat in the saddle.
Whatever the weather conditions, your fluid requirements will increase significantly when cycling. Losses from exhaled breath and from sweating will serve to reduce your blood volume, resulting in your heart having to work much harder. By the time you feel thirsty you will already be dehydrated, so try to drink small, frequent quantities of water or a sports energy drink throughout the ride. You can check the colour of your urine in order to monitor your hydration in between stages of your training: a pale straw colour indicates that you are well hydrated, whereas anything darker means that you need to drink more.If cannot go outside or have not time to train outdoor with Your bike, excercise bikes are a good alternitive for home training.
Whether you use a stationary bike at home or the gym, You can read these tips for getting the most from your workout:
- Make sure the bike fits you properly. Talk to the merchant from whom you bought your bike, someone at a bicycle store, or a trainer at your gym to be sure the seat height is correct and you're not sitting too far away from the handlebars.
- Keep your upper body relaxed, shoulders away from the ears.
- Sit lightly on your seat, using your abdominals to support your back.
- Know your equipment and how to be safe. Learn how to adjust the intensity and change program options.
- Start slowly. Build up to longer or more intense workouts.
- Have the right gear: Buy a pair of padded shorts or a gel seat for added comfort.
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
- Views: 1197
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TDF What I did on my holidays TDF What I did on my holidays
- From: denoblat
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Description:
Well it didn’t turn out exactly as planned.
Day 1
We arrived at the house in plenty of time to get to Limoges airport to meet and greet the riders as they flew in from Tarbes. Unfortunately as we turned on the power I noticed something was wrong.
The 450 litre boiler which is normally hanging on the wall under the stairs was perched precariously on some paint tubs and tins of varnish stored underneath. Luckily I had terminated the water supply on our last visit otherwise the damage would have been greater. After a phone call to our good neighbour Luis who is also our plumber he visited and assed the damage.
It was not all bad the electrics were still OK and only the outer shell was dented he said he would return in the morning and bring his car jack to lift it back in position. So with the plan to get to Limoges thwarted we saddled up and went for our usual local spin. Roy our TDF buddy was complaining about the spare bike so lent him mine, this gave him the opportunity to attack me on every climb and to try and out sprint me on every flat.
Day 2.
Was planning to get out on the road to Issoudun as it was the riders rest day and we would have liked to catch them on the road. No such luck!
Luis arrived with a car jack and some blocks and we spent 2 hours gently manoeuvring the boiler back into position. Finally it was in place and Luis zipped off and hastily made a wooden cradle to support it. He checked all the connections for leaks and passed it fit to fire up.
We racked up the car put the bikes on the back and headed for the position we thought would be good for Bastille Day. We then drove on to our local lake and unleashed the bikes. Roy again attacked me on the climb to Chesioux I was beginning to feel like Cadel Evans as Di also attacked unable to choose the gearing I needed I pushed on in much too bigger gear for me.
Day 3
Bastille Day.
I made some adjustments to the spare bike and was able to select more gears than I had previously. We racked up the car and headed to the feed station for that stage.
We are seasoned TDF goers so we had all the supplies we needed BBQ, Beers and Bread. We set up camp and unleashed the bikes. Roy attacked again but now I had the measure of him and enough gears to take him on the climb to the Bourg. Ha! Ha! It’s not about the bike.
The Caravan came past at it’s usual blistering pace throwing all types of crap at us. Key rings, fridge magnets, packets of boiled sweets all of which when thrown from a speeding car hurt like fuck!!! Ask Di she carried a bruise from a fridge magnet until we got home. I was hit in the stomach by a bag of boiled sweets and was knocked backwards by a key ring hitting me on the side of the head. (see video)
Being Bastille day it was expected that there would be French riders in the break. The crowd were going ballistic as he news came through that there was a 4 man break 3 of which were French. By the time they reached us they had 1 min and 30 on the Peloton but it was obvious they were being given their moment of glory, but would be hunted down by the sprinters teams.
Cav took the day Hooray!.
The rest of the day’s
The sun shone the heat rose and we rode and rode and rode. We visited the Lake, rode round it. Roy attacked again Di attacked him he said it was tooo hot as I passed him on the climb whilst he gasped for air. Oh did I mention that there is some 15 years between him and me, he being the younger.
We rode back to the lake and dived in.
So like the roads of the Limousin we had our ups and downs but as always a week at the TDF is the most interesting of all our visits.
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- 1 year ago
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TDF Fantasy League Update TDF Fantasy League Update
- From: denoblat
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Description:
Results after Stage 18
Team Buxton
1241
Team Spurgeon
1236
Revolution Racing
1216
Pont De Noblat
1084
Kunubu
1044
Broken Clavicles
1043
Missing France
1038
Manu Forti
1016
Twitt Twattishness
811
Bbnaz' bicyclebingo
683
Collingwood
538
Fast Wheels
500
Alias' Army
472
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- 1 year ago
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TDF BLOG PT4 - POINTS MEAN PRI TDF BLOG PT4 - POINTS MEAN PRIZES
- From: FaustoCoppi
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Description:
GREEN - WHO'S THE DADDY?
I woke up this morning feeling green. No it was not the sudden onset of Swine Flu, but my renewed passion for all things Cavendish AND sprinting. The Manx midget has done it again 4 wins and still more to come, but who is the best. Mark has a long way to go yet, but one day...you never know. He is frightening quick. So who is the best then? Shall we have the stats part first?
Most stage wins in total (post 1945):
Merckx 34, Hinualt 28, Armstrong 22, Darrigade 22
Most stage wins in a single (post 1945) Tour:
Merckx (1970 and 1974), Maertens (1976)
Most Green Jerseys:
Erik Zabel (8), Sean Kelly (4), Jan Janssen, Merckx, Maertens, Djamolidine Abdujaparov, Robbie McEwan (3)
OK, that’s the geek bit over with. Now we have the facts, let’s go with the heart. The sprinters I have heard about, remember and have seen (on telly mostly I might add) are: Addujaparov for turn of speed (would make half the field crash on the way though), Zabel for his German automobile consistency (despite winning all those Jerseys he only won 12 stages in total at TDF) and for speed, class, brain and power Kelly. Maertens has to be in there, because any 'sprinter' that wins so much time and stages (13) that he wins a major tour (ok.. it was the Vuelta) must be darn good. Maertens was like Kelly as well, he was powerful and as such was able to push high gears. Missing from the stats are the Italians, but they rarely start, compete and perform consistently out of (their comfort zone) the Giro.
So all things considered I'm going for Kelly, as a great sprinter and stage winner for his ability across so many sprinting disciplines. He was schooled by Maertens and like Maertens won the Vuelta. Everyone looks at Kelly's career and sees him as an all-rounder and he was. But Kelly started as a sprinter and it was with his sprinters skills, guile and power that won the points jersey in the Tour and Vuelta 8 times with 21 stage wins.
Can Cavo be as good, well YES. That’s the simple truth, he could be that good, only time will tell.
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- 1 year ago
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TDF BLOG: PT:3 Sorry, what hap TDF BLOG: PT:3 Sorry, what happened to the Hors!
- From: FaustoCoppi
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Description:
Show me a person who thought the pryanees were a challenge and I'll show you a someone who does not know who Michael Jackson is!
WHAT WAS THAT! I have more challenging bumps in my lawn. I am sorry, but this has to be THE WORST Tour ever. The route is such a disapointment, the riding (apart from Columbia) mundane and the result (Astana)predictable. The riders are having a rest day, but what have they done? I'd say the most taxing part of the first week and a bit was the cross winds. These nautural hurdles were great to watch as they induced action and excitement into a sleeping peleton.
It was great to see Millers desperate race for the line and Voeklers more fruitful attempt. Also the comeback of the french has also been refreshing. But the sprints have been very workman like, no real aggression or fireworks, with half the normal contenders either too unfit or to far back in the peleton to challenge. The team competition was won when Astana paid the bills a few weeks ago and the overall will be Lance or Alberto. The mountains jersey should be given to Mark Cavendish or another of the sprinters; if they finish as at least you know they would have had to put some effort , even if it is just to survive.
Please can we see some overall contender to something, or I will have to stop watching the highlights and do some housework. At least the housework will be a challenge!
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- 1 year ago
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TDF BLOG: PT:1 Lance and me TDF BLOG: PT:1 Lance and me
- From: FaustoCoppi
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Description:
Ok, I have come out of the closet,...I am a Lance fan. There you go, I have said it and it feels so much better. While I have been sometimes out spoken in my view on Lance (not negative, just....anti all the hype). I thought of him last night and he reminded me of this simple song, sang by Clive Dunn ('Dads Army' and 'Grandad' fame in the UK).
I've been sitting here all day thinking
Same old thing ten years away thinking
Now my days are gone, memories linger on
Thoughts of when I was boy
Pennyfarthings on the street riding
Motorcars were funny things, frightning
Bow and hoops and spinning tops
Annie gretzel's lollipops
Comic cuts, all different things
Grandad, grandad you're lovely
That's what we all think of you
Grandad, grandad you're lovely
That's what we all think of you
Grandad grandadLance and Lance's fans (especially) have, in the past, reminded me about all that is bad about sport in the modern 'proffesional' sports era. While his success is something that is simply unparalleled, the hype and untruths written about his place in history is something I have always had an issue with. Like a shout from a golf crowd of 'IN THE HOLE' or a new 'soccer' fan shouting 'CHELSEA ARE BRUDDY GOOOOOOOD ARN'T THEY?' the Lance fan machine is both brash and distastfull. It is undoubtable that his is, simply put, THE best Tour de France rider ever, without doubt. He is also a beacon and talisman for all that is great about the human spirit. These two virtues make him the man and rightful icon he is. But, as I have dicussed before (see my blogs Lance v the Rest), he is not the best cyclist ever, by a long way. Also the press surrounding him is both choaking and distracting and it is this part of the lance machine that I have disliked the most. Why? because people suddenly forget all sporting history, claiming their man to be the best. Or, the forget all resoning and claim this man (Lance) to be some devil figure that has raped and pilaged the dignified sport they love. OK, this hysteria happens everywhere, in all sports to all people who are icons like Lance. If Lance himself feels, and we know he does, it is all too much; then maybe he should be Sachin Tendulkar or even Tom Boonen for a day and then see how he feels.
Now, all that said, back to THE MAN. Lance Armstrong is a god, a demigod. His abilty on the bike is nothing compared to his will and mental strength. He does not shy away from a battle and will not let chance be part of his game. Every little detail is thought of. His strength and endurance is freakish and bike skills a marvel to watch. When you stand in the shadow of the man, you are in his shadow, he has a presance and calm that just breaths class. It is these qualities that make him, for me, one of the most beautiful sights to watch in sport. When Lance is on a day there are no words to describe it.
So I say good luck to you grandad and may your aching bones do their best today, you are a hero of mine and always will be.
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- 1 year ago
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TDF BLOG: PT:1 Lotto Finished TDF BLOG: PT:1 Lotto Finished the TTT yet?
- From: FaustoCoppi
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Description:
Should we go back to national teams? I think its a valid question! (and before you start wetting your lycra and throwing your Cycling TV water bottles at the wall read on).
Looking at the big money winners and losers in this years season its obvious that the current system is becoming unworkable, especially in the big tours. OK, it was before (with national teams) so where is there a solution?
TEAM TIME TRIALS
I was discussing, with a mate and trusted guru on all things bike, the issue of the team time trial and its outdated inclusion in major tours. In the Giro it works, its a great spectacle to open the tour, gives the crowds a great chance to see all their heroes up close straight away, the sponsors their day in the sun and if you are in a rubbish team named after a little know component company you don't loose stupid amounts of time. But in the Tour it was a silly, dangerous side show that means the tour is effectevley over for half the overall contenders. Carlos Sastre has already lost 2,44, Cadel Evens 2.59 and Menchov 3.52. Would have these gaps been as big if we had an individual TT? I very much doubt it. Lets face it, the team time trial (especially over long distances) always has and always will give a massive advantage to the team with more talent, better equipment, more development, basically more money.
SHOW ME THE MONEY!
Also it is obvious, in the first 5 days!, that Astana and Team CSC will run away with the overall and no one will get anywhere near Columbia in the sprints. This is the same as Quickstep in the classics and Fedora in the cyclo cross.
OK there have been some exceptions to the rule as seen with Cervelo's refreshing aggression in the early season and the one day race season as a whole was great to watch. But Quickstep did win Flanders and Roubaix again! so not that much has changed. The Giro, this year, was an exception to this rule and was exciting beacuse there were so many individual performances that made the race hard to call. But it could not have been much worse than last years Astana training run lets be honest about it!
CONCLUSION
Personally I thought the one day races were great this year and it showed Quickstep can be beaten. However, the Tour de France organisers, for me, are still getting it wrong and the Tour is becoming less and less open. This exclusive club will continue to get smaller and smaller and will end up like Formula 1 or European Football, where you can say which 3 teams will be in the top 4 or 5 places, based just on their bank balance.
SOLUTION
I don't know...I'm an opinionated fan but not a well informed one!
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- 1 year ago
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Fantasy League Stage 7 results Fantasy League Stage 7 results
- From: denoblat
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Description:
After the 1st big climb things ahavn't changed taht musch
Mais petit un petit le l'oiseau fait le nid!
Team Spurgeon
480
Revolution Racing
450
Team Buxton
440
Kunubu
423
Twitt Twattishness
404
Missing France
391
Pont De Noblat
319
Manu Forti
317
Broken Clavicles
312
Bbnaz' bicyclebingo
247
Collingwood
200
Fast Wheels
62
Alias' Army
54
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- 1 year ago
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AND THE RAIN CAME. AND THE RAIN CAME.
- From: pcanh
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Description:
Jesus went out today being friday, going to do a 2 hour circuit but...... black has hell over to west of me, said rain was due 1pm more like 1200am, turned back at 10 mile out,..... and rode straight in to torrencial down pour of rain the roads were like rivers with massive puddles stroon across the roads, drivers ignoreing this and speeding though, i had to ride in the middle of the road, to avoid the holes filled with water has i knew the road well, wacked it on big ring, 10 mile back in TT mode. shoes now filling with water and shammy in shorts soddened! had my cape on with litte effect of keeping dry, least it was warm out, pulled seat post out later at home and about a 1ft of water came out of the seat tube when tipped upside down!! expecting fish to come out has well LOL. Still a bit tired after mondays rid of 93 mile. trying to pedal it back in keep legs going round. May go out saturday, see if weather will be better, i think its forcast thunder showers?. we will see.
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- 1 year ago
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93 mile blow a gasket. 93 mile blow a gasket.
- From: pcanh
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Description:
Well with the hot weather i thought i would do a long one, one ride did 78miles over cocayne loop out of helmsly on saturday, monday did this ride, though first half of castle howard to conysthorpe to malton nothing to drastic few hills to climb good warm up. Zipped in to malton, out of malton on the A169 very fast this bit of road lot of traffic today being monday, bet there off to Whitby on east coast? went in to Thornton le dale nice village with a stream by the road. up out of thornton le dale up a very steep hill, i put my 29 block on to get me out of the shit if i needed it? Yes i used the 39 x29 sat in on climbed this 1in4? very long, went up well on this gear no great effort, in to Dalby forest mtb mecca this place, nice ride though here nice and cool under the tree tops again not too taxing only took me just over half a hour, to the outer gate house, then to Langdale end though a farm yard decent! bit up and down here bit of pressure on and the sun was boiling now clear of the forest. Over to valley forge strange road running bettween a vally with water pissing all over the roads very cool down here links A170 to A 64 good cut though to aviod going to Scarborough which what i wanted no ice cream or fish and chips for me, none stop riding!! no cafe stops neither!!. Anyway got on the road out of Scarborough A64 feeling Weak and water running low in camel bak i stopped at petrol station (did i say no stops?) for some evian 1 half litre in to camel the other half over head lovley and cold nice!! off we go, just up the A64 you can see a really steep hill yes its staxton bank 17% now you know why i put the 39x29 gear on!! soon has you go though the traffic lights your changing gear soon on top 29 sprocket, it was relentless the top bend was worse, over that and you`ve` made it sweat pissing off me well cabbaged, from now on its up and down heading over the wolds B1249 road.Then the night mare began just after a village called FOXHOLES and you hit a hill a long long long hill not steep 2.39mile long according to google earth, my legs were done in 39 x29 red hot now, down to....8 mph it was relentless, it did my head in!! take your brain out on this climb just when you think your near top it goes up a bit more your nearly on the very top of yorkshire wolds now. Starting to feel it now felt ill, 30 miles to go!! rammed some banana and a oat bar and some caffine tablets., which i only use in a emergancy!! and it was one today. made it to Driffield a old market town, felt very tired could have layed on grass verge and had a kip!! any way out of there on to A166 to Wetwang old viking village this (means meeting place) then garton on the wold where my dad was born so he told me today. Nice fish and chip shop here, looked very apealing but no i pressed on!! turned off at Huggate because did not want to go down main road over Garby hill steep decent this loads of lorrys very dangerous, bad idea going to huggate another long drag road where you take your brain out and go on auto pilot!! nothing but bare fields here. though huggate blink and you miss this village, ahh good, back on familiar ground here now. Millington pastures never done this way before all down hill, been uphill though here many times, big ring time, came a live probably them caffine tabs working!! battared though here going well. managed to make it to my mates house at fangfoss vllage (whiches coven in medevil times here?) this time he was in, thank you lord. he gave me a lft back to york outside to monks cross shopping center about 5 mile away from my house!! rode home legs were knackard by now with sitting at his house for a while.93.76 miles for 6 hours none stop, blew about 3 times today. wife made me stake chips and beans loverly, when i got home, she was ringing me wondering where i was! bless her, then Bath and it was nice ah. oh yeah and the ribble rides well good handling pleased with it. iam sold, Backs still fucked still but c la vie.
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- 1 year ago
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