2012 PFOA Lands End to John O Groats
Training Blog 7
Its been ages since my last blog, and the only excuse I have is lack of time! The Association has been incredibly busy training, providing support, the Summer Ball and general involvement in firearms policing.
I am hooked! I love going out on my bike. I am getting fitter and feel healthier, so this cycling lark is GOOD FOR YOU!
I have managed a couple of 60 mile plus rides, and had it not been for time, and a sore backside I would probably have done more miles!
Team PFOA is taking shape, we are entering more rides and starting to gain sponsorship. The date for the ride has been put back to end of April 2012 so that we get longer days and hopefully better weather.
So, back to my training....having shaved my legs, as I am told that all great cyclist do, I have increased my distances gradually. I had a great ride out a few weeks ago, which took me from Peterborough into Rutland and back......I had my first real experience with hills..wow...when there aint any gears left and you are just about managing 4.5mph and your legs are burning...ITS A GREAT FEELING!! I have kind of got hooked on the pain now. What is for sure, as I have mentioned before, is the need to hydrate properly. This in turn causes logistical problems when out on a long ride. I am taking two bottles, two gels and two energy bars on each long ride of 3 hours plus. I have to carry money and restock on drink during ride. For the Rutland ride last week I had three bottles of drink, 2 gels and an energy bar. I cycled 62 miles in 25 degrees heat, got back to Green Wheel Cycles where I started from and had a hydration drink (500ml) When I was on the ride I got cramp a couple of times on the inside of my quads both sides!! When I got home I stretched off, then got in my hot tub....mistake!! I got severe cramp again in both quads resulting in my wife assisting me to get out of the said hot tub!! I then went out in the evening and played an hour of badminton doubles with my mates..Well the following morning, Saturday brought on the stomach cramps and a dose of Immodium!! I then felt awful the rest of the day. The next day I made myself get back out again. This time with a bottle of drink first, another bottle on the bike and a gel. I did a swift 25 miles, then immediately had a hydration drink.....result, no problems at all!
I am also realising that clothing is so important. I have purchased XL bib shorts, which was fine a few months ago, but as my backside shrinks due to the exercise, the shorts feel loose, and this can result in unwanted rubbing in certain areas! I have now got a size smaller, which are tighter and more comfortable on longer rides. Cycling clothing is very expensive, and we are gonna need loads for the big ride.
The rest of Team PFOA are training hard. Several of the Norfolk 'club Delia, lets be aving yer' contingent completed the Norwich 100 mile ride recently. Simon went abroad and cycled 50+ miles to the base of a mountain, then went 25+ MILES UP IT!! Some of the team are coming to PFOA HQ in August to go for a ride, and then apparently get naked in my hot tub....ummm I dont think so boys!! We are entered as Team PFOA in the Wiggle Rutland in September (100 miles over the lovely hills) Ben from Green Wheel Cycles is coming with us to advise and help us ride as a team. The boys at Green wheel Cycles have been great..always up for a chat, and make you feel at home in the vast showroom they have...well worth a visit.
Roger is still carb training, mainly when he is on yet another holiday! We are hoping he will have a bike before the ride in April, or will he just settle for driving a support vehicle???? Watch this space.
MW