Els' LEL Blog

LEL 2009 - La Grande Vadrouille

2009-09-28T12:23:00.000-07:00

'Yes', I would answer to the question 'Is this your first LEL?'. By Tuesday, I would answer: 'No, this is my ONLY LEL!'.

How can they tell anyway, why don't they ask 'How many LELs have you done?'. Is it my new bright white road cycling shoes? Don't think so, because they were covered with old black tatty water-non-proof overshoes most of the time.

Getting closer to Edinburgh also, there was a farmer repairing a section of a dry wall. He peeped over and said: 'Is this some sort of endurance event?'. Why? Is it because I am cycling sooo slowly and my head is sunken between my shoulders? Or is it the 'I'm OK for now, but I'm braced for what lies around the corner' look in my eyes.

Jeeezzzz! This was tough. The thought of giving up must just not enter your head. On the way back to Alston, in that horrible weather, it would even have been dangerous to stop for a while, mentally and physically. When my riding companion, Mansfeld (? spelling), stopped to change GPS batteries, I indicated that I would ride on slowly. I was worried I would cool down too quickly and so make it even more miserable for myself. I never thought of giving up, but on that night I wanted it to finish so badly.

The highlight was on the same day though! The section going east from Eskdalemuir to Edinburgh, with a tailwind and the sun out, was wonderful!! Beautiful scenery, excellent cycling.

It was here where I rode with John Spooner for a while and chatted with the Italians. On top of their voices they would explain who John is to them (and to a lot of us!): el numero uno! el capitan! el padre! el legend! In nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti, Amen! Poor John, he only wants to ride his bike! Anyway, we were on top of the world!! Life couldn't be better.

And I had developed my CDs, my Cancellara Descents (If you don't know about Fabian Cancellara watch this with the sound on Clicky). I was loving it. Descending in Cancellara style, cutting corners, ducking under overhangs, sweeping across the country side [ehem, yes, take it with a pinch of salt!]. It entertained me over Yad Moss on the way back. The rain, nor the climbs were bothering me - I would be looking forward to a CD instead! High speed descents, the back wheel would morph into a ski-like contraption so as to push into the corners more, shwish left, shwish right, duck, occasionally don't take the corner, but jump right ahead onto a platform positioned perfectly to bounce off and then re-join the road. Extra points for splatting sheep on the way. My hands got cold at some point and I decided that I was so gifted (get that tonne of salt out again!) that I could do a CD while putting my gloves on. On reflection, I thought even Cancellara wouldn't be so stupid and what with hallucinations and all that, if I don't snap out of this, I would end up like a splatted sheep myself. Forgive me Elise (my parents pet sheep).

But Cancellara! Watch out! PaulD is about! He led in a trail of riders through the Hertford-Cheshunt urban areas at dizzling speed, in the dark, in built up areas, cars on both sides ... I had forgotten about my CDs for a while, then this brought it all back to me in magnified form. If Cancellara was the Yad Moss level, we now have the new PaulD elite urban obstical level. Thanks Paul for leading us in, that was great fun!

On the last day, we knew it was going to be flat, bar the last Hertfordshire bit. Those long flat sections without CDs allow your mind to wonder, especially as the weather was getting better. I was starting to reflect, gather my thoughts about LEL, what I liked, what I didn't like, how I need to learn to take pictures while riding... Then I found myself as if in the Truman Show where the man above decided to wipe the smile off my face and poured a load of freshly made hail all over us. This was in Sleaford. And we would be treated to the odd shower till about 3 hours from the finish.

One thing I had been wondering about was a sentence in the Rider Information Sheet: "On completion of LEL, a final basic sandwich and hot drink will be issued with the removal of your brevet card at the end of the event. After this, food is not available from LEL. " I had been wondering what a 'basic sandwich' is. A sandwich is already pretty basic, unless you go for the open seafood/charcutery platter type sandwich in a bistro. And how is a sandwich 'issued'? 'The removal of your brevet card' was also something that left me wondering whether I had already done something wrong. I'm not a Scroobius Pip with words, but I would rephrase that paragraph with something like this:

"Congratulations on finishing LEL! When you are ready (sure you want to do a few high fives and knuckle handshakes with your cycling buddies first!), please hand in your brevet card for validation. Help yourself to sandwiches and drinks and if you would like to start celebrating your achievement, then the bar upstairs will be open.

Never ate the basic sandwich, but the bottle of beer was a delightful surprise in the lunch bag!

But Audaxers don't expect frilly language like that. On the routesheet for example, we don't expect to read:

"On approaching the T-junction, you will see a view of the dominating mountain Mount LEL, conquered by few. Turn left to continue your journey, or, alternatively, have a break to admire the water well, built ca 213bc, tucked around the corner on the right hand side. This will interest the historians amongst you."

Instead, Audaxers want and get this:

L:T

On the last day, I linked up again with the German guy, Mansfeld, who kept me going on the depression section of Tuesday evening/night. I was puzzled by him. He went steady, telling stories of Russian LEL type rides, where they took a train to the start, but couldn't find space for their bikes ... while I was trying to hold back expressions of discomfort, but still sighing, occassionally saying 'when is this going to finish'? No reaction from Mansfeld ... better keep quiet and suffer inside. But on the last day, Mansfeld and I linked up again, and he said something like: 'Els, if it hadn't been for you I would have given up!' I was so surprised by this, I thought I was the suffering one, drawing energy from him!.

LEL and Audax is about self-sufficiency (thats the word I was looking for on BCM, when I talked about audaxing being unsupported). You sign up to cycle from London to Edinburgh and back. You know when and where to start from. Then all you have to do is cycle the route and collect the stamps at controls. Mind you, I heard a few say that making it to the start is 3/4 of LEL done. Anyway, don't expect anything from the organisation and anything you do get is a bonus. But we did get lots of bonuses - more than that!!! The slick bottle refilling facilities everywhere, the variety of food, the variety of sleeping arrangements (!), the welcoming volunteers, the mechanics, the resourcefulness and commaradery of everybody ... amazing. Thank you to the organisers and volunteers.

And, if you turn up at 2AM in the morning, dripping wet, cold, miserable, tired, a little short tempered maybe, and you are welcomed by 'There are no beds or blankets, and there is no floor space', you shouldn't be surprised, angry, upset, disappointed or anything like that. Look around and you'll find plenty of space in a corridor and heap full of linen that can be used as blankets. I think Audaxers become tramps and find space and resources everywhere! Next time, I'd be a bit more resourceful in booking B&Bs ahead of time! If I don't get to use them so be it! Oh, no, I forgot, there will not be a next time.

See, plenty of space. But where did those duvet covers come from when I was told there was nothing left?

The one testing challenge for me was the drying room at Alston, doubling up as men's changing room. Two men would come out, one would go in, one would come out, two would go in ... guys, I'd just ... another goes in, I'd just like to ... I need to, look can you all get out so that I can hang up my wet gear. I called on a volunteer to help me out but got a look of 'what do you expect me to do about it'. I don't expect anything, but the reality is that we are faced with some male/female logistics. Apologies for getting ratty at that stage and thank you to the guy who handed over a hanger and clothes pegs.

My favourite controls were (although I fear I might be getting controls muddled up - all had their unique qualities):

Traquair: for the LEL cakes, whiskey and beer touch, massages, IslandBakery biscuits, the floor space, the friendliness, the location

Middleton Tyas: for the tents with camp beds and Mike being there watching out for me on the way back.

A lot of people seem to have enjoyed the Twitter feed. I was pleased also that I had the capacity to send some updates. That is until my iPhone got wet. It was pouring down, as we had got used to, and I had lost my way. I was using the iPhone mapping to get my bearings again. I had also lost some confidence though and kept checking if I was going the right way now. Gradually but surely my phone got more and more wet, then it stopped working. At least I was on my way again, and later on Scottlington kindly posted a message explaining the lack of tweets from swarm_catcher. Thanks Scottlington!

All in all, I am very pleased with how LEL went. I didn't have the collapse experienced during BCM. My spirits stayed up, I managed to eat well and sleep more than planned. At some stage I wondered if everybody had been lying to me and that you need to do LEL in preparation for BCM, not the other way around. Then the day marked as 'potential BCM day' happened ...

And I need to thank again, all my supporters. All the people who sent messages via email/txt/twitter/cards. All the volunteers and cyclists. All the people who donated towards Bees for Development. Its been quite an effort by all!

I had wonderful conversations with the belgian riders, especially Erwin from Leuven, since we were riding at similar speeds. He stated: "As every muslim needs to visit Mecca once in their lifetime, so does a long distance cyclist need to do Paris-Brest-Paris... "

Erwin

And just a few more thoughts:

Returning to Gaminlingay (last control) where Manotea and Mercury were - it was like coming back to civilisation. Rode with Manotea for a while. He was on fixed.
Peter the Austrian whom I cycled with on the first and the last day. A spoke broke in Peter's rear wheel, so he ended up walking through the night, in the rain to Thorne. A spare rear wheel was found so Peter could continue and finish LEL. It seems spokes breaking was not uncommon on LEL.
Need to learn how to replace spokes and true a wheel.
Still have Peter's kneewarmers.
Getting a massive 5 hours sleep on the last night which left me waking up with a face like a red balloon with knots for eyes.
On the return from Edinburgh, managing to clock a massive 5kph going downhill, using the granniest of granny gears. This is why: Scotland Headwinds
A different view on LEL by George Swain: George's LEL Ride Report
Quote from Mike D: "The best weather day included sun, thunderstorms, rain, wind and quarter-sized hail. The bad weather days? They were a little wet and windy as well.". Another excellent ride report: Mike's LEL Ride Report (various posts and some videos).

Last Celebrations!

2009-09-27T05:46:00.000-07:00

The End

Its Official!

2009-08-14T02:24:00.001-07:00

LEL: 109 hours 35 mins.

2009-08-01T01:53:00.001-07:00

Quick update to say I completed LEL in 109 hours 35 mins on Thursday evening. Will post ride report once I have recovered a bit more! I'm not too bad though and very very very happy!

Els.

Friday before

2009-07-24T13:53:00.001-07:00

Well done Mark Cavendish!! Back to packing ...

I've done most of it. I'll check everything tomorrow and then load the car.

It was strange saying goodbye to work colleagues. It was as if I was going on a 6 month sabbatical, but I'll be back in a week. Quite strange also answering "What are you doing this weekend?" questions from people who don't know I'm doing LEL.

"I'm going to Scotland."
"Whereabouts are you staying?".
"I'm not"....

.... quite a conversation stopper!

Received loads of texts/email/calls/cards from friends and family to wish a good journey. Really appreciate it!

I am really, really looking forward to it now. The YAC forum has helped enormously. Around 60 YACFers are doing LEL, probably 30 of those I know by name and quite a few by person from previous Audaxes (especially the BCM). Can't imagine pre-internet/forum days, where you'd turn up and see what happens. Looking forward to meeting the Belgians also. I've brought my flag from work, can double up as a blanket.

So, I'll say my goodbyes for now. See you in Twitter!

Wednesday before

2009-07-22T13:33:00.000-07:00

Four days to go...

Have a look at this post by jwo on the YACF forum. I think those profile maps are the max! Clicky

Will not get packing till Friday. Had to play catch up at work after spending a morning in the bike shop yesterday. Got home very late. Helped Sarah pack for Camp Bestival tonight. Usual pub quiz night tomorrow. So Friday, home alone to pack. I have most things lined up so it shouldn't take too long ... but it will.

Laminating route sheet tomorrow.

The weather forecast is looking better than last week.

Really looking forward to it now. I have the luxury of a pied-a-terre near Chesthunt for before and after LEL. I'll be with our friends early Saturday afternoon and go off to register at 5PM. I'll probably will not sleep much on Saturday night.

This is likely to be the penultimate post before LEL, if not the last. Then its over to twitter until the end of LEL Thursday/Friday.

http://twitter.com/swarm_catcher

or for the complete LEL buzz: Search LEL on Twitter

This time next week...

2009-07-18T22:20:00.001-07:00

This time next week I'll be getting ready to go to the start. Gulp. I'm ready though, and the buzz is hotting up on YACF.

Have set up Twitter. I hope to have time to send a couple of messages - don't count on it! My account is http://twitter.com/swarm_catcher, but if you use this link #LEL search, then you'll see all LEL related message. So, even if I don't get to send many updates, you will be able to gather from the other posts what is happening. For example you might read "its raining and I'm pleased I've finished for the day - by ANOther". Then you'll know that I'll still be cycling ... in the rain. Or may be on a brighter note: "Caught up with swarm_catcher and life-of-brian at lunch time - by BNOther". That would mean I'm not doing badly and I have company!

In fact, RichForrest's comment on my blog during the BCM, is exactly what Twitter enables. He had written: "Hope you finished, last saw you leaving Kings YH."

The weather forecast is not looking too bad, except for Tuesday, which is the hilly day. I'll be expecting a 'BCM day'.

accuweather.com

Again, many thanks to everybody who has donated! There is still time to donate (after LEL, I will never ever ask again).

Advise from Eddy Merckx and Toon Claes

2009-07-14T22:49:00.000-07:00

Their book 'Fiets passie' is full of top tips for cycling (thank you mum!).

Here are a few that caught my eye with LEL in mind:

positive thinking: they use a quote from Shakespeare "its the mind that makes the body rich". During a climb of 20km, its bad news that you still have 2km to do, but the good news is that you've already done 18km. They admit that pessimists will not find this funny.
be careful, ride defensively, don't demand the road
enjoy: have a break (not too long on LEL!), enjoy nature and
treat yourself
look at the time, not the miles/averages on your computer. Averages are invariably a demoraliser and has too many dependencies.

Was surprised to see a section on 'Shimmy' in there (LEE experienced 'Death Shimmy' on BCM). They suggest shimmy is due to a too light a frame in racers or too heavy barbag in tourers, together with too loose or too cramped holding of the handlebars. The trick is not to panic, relax, break gently and push your legs inwards to hold the crossbar between your knees/legs.

The Poor Student Revisited ... again!

2009-07-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Yabadabadooo!! 11 hours including stops! 9 hours 45 minutes of riding.

After our allotment party yesterday, I really wasn't in the mood for cycling (not that I was drinking). But the alarm went off at 04:30 this morning and up I got. It was still raining, but I knew it was going to stop around 6AM, which was my planned start time in Oxford.

Everything went well. Made good time in the morning, so had lunch in the Summer Cafe. As I've mentioned before, the Poor Student is a lovely ride from Oxford to Cirencester and back via Malmesbury.

Loved seeing the lavender on Snowshill. More pictures on the slideshow till the next ride, or here.

Again, many thanks to everybody who has donated! There is still time to donate (after LEL, I will never ever ask again).

What shall I do this weekend?

2009-07-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

Hey, guess what, its going to be the Poor Student 200 again! Its easy to get to the start (1 hour in the car to Oxford), I know the route, I love the route, and its (now) do-able in less than 12 hours. So that is the plan for tomorrow. I have a final bit of fettling to do with the saddle, its not quite right yet. Oh yes, and I need to replace my wireless with a wired mileometer (the dynamo interferes with the wireless).

Other than that, I feel almost ready for LEL. Last night, I marked up the route sheet. The next thing is to work out my bag drop content. Bag drops are a luxury. You leave them at the start of the ride and the lovely organisers will drop them off at dedicated controls (we're allowed two). Then you get to, say, Thorne, tired, wet, cold (hope not!), where your bag awaits you with a mat to sleep on, with clean dry socks, dry gloves, your favourite piece of cake, spare batteries, etc. I experienced a bag drop for the first time on the Bryan Chapman Memorial ride - not appreciating its value beforehand. That bag drop saved me (apart from the angel Mel)! And of course, unless the bag drop is at the turn-around point, you visit the drop twice.

If I'm riding well tomorrow, I'll take some more pictures. You see, there has been a camera discussion in the house. Sarah is going to be my weight monitor, so as to make sure I don't overpack with unnecessary things on LEL. She's arguing that I shouldn't take the camera. Taking pictures will be valuable minutes wasted, and its extra weight. But I've been pleading! ... I'm nearly there. When I've been riding without camera and I come home without pictures - its just not right.

My LEL Schedule

2009-07-08T12:33:00.000-07:00

Many riders will be riding through the first night. But based on my 400 and 600 performances, I found that I'm the least efficient between 2 and 4 AM, so I'm intending to rest. I'm only wondering if on the Wednesday, I should aim for Washingborough. I'll play that one by ear.

The best laid plans ...

The Faccombe Haul Revisited

2009-07-05T13:57:00.000-07:00

Cycled the Faccombe Haul route again today. Went for an early early start, so that I could be home to watch the Tour de France and flick over to Federer vs Roddick during the commercial breaks (what a great afternoon of sport watching!).

Started cycling at 06:18 and finished 12:05. Brilliant - given that its a hilly route. It was wonderfully sunny again, bar one shower. This was a much better effort than that winter time in the snow.

Saw a yellowhammer - not unusual in the area.

Wasn't very inspired to take pictures, but did capture this house in West Woodhay.

Eeekkk!! 21 days to go!

A Dream about LEL

2009-07-03T23:55:00.000-07:00

Dreamt about LEL last night ...

Was doing well and onto the third control. Overheard conversation about somebody missing a control and had to cycle back to get the stamp. Then I realised I had done the same thing ... This was going to mean no sleep on the first night and from then on riding the whole of LEL under pressure.

The Dean and Poor Student - DONE

2009-06-29T22:23:00.000-07:00

Was it hot!!

The Dean is the most beautiful ride. The Cotswolds, Forest of Dean and Malborough Hills. I didn't appreciate the Malborough/Wiltshire region before, but it is stunning and wonderful to ride (on a couple of occasions walk!) through. A horrible climb, but coming up to Pewsey Hill with the chalk white horse is impressive. Wiltshire is known for the chalk white horses (not just Uffington): Wilthsire White Horses .

Coming out of Shipton, I saw a barn owl, which then flew alongside me for quite a while. Lovely! In the Forest of Dean, I saw a group of wild pigs. Heard them first, so I was on the lookout.

Both rides were absolutely beautiful in this weather. It was the third time I've done the Poor Student this year, and the best.

I did the Dean in under 18 hours and the Poor Student in under 12 hours. How consistent: 6 hours per 100km, which includes breaks. What I learnt this time is what challenges hot weather brings. I used wet wipes to freshen up every now and again, bought water at every opportunity, but I got sweat rashes in allsorts of areas and don't know what to do about that! It also takes some time to get ready in the morning, I should allow 30 mins. Eating takes time!

The YHA was also a good way to simulate disturbed LEL sleeping. Since it was so hot, the window of the dorm was left open so we could hear the traffic, the trains and the road works (or was I dreaming that?).

I am encouraged by this for LEL. I'm beginning to believe that I'll do better than my planned worse case scenario ... but I'll stick with that plan. Anything better will be a bonus. I'm imagining if I had to do both days all over again - but I'd probably walk the steepest hills, and that's OK.

Only three weekends to go. The thought of that makes me nervous. What kind of training is left to do? I have nothing planned except not do any night riding, no more coffee, no more alcohol ... That seems like a lot of doing nothing!

Quite a short ride report for such a two-day effort!

The Dean 300 and the Poor Student 200 Routes

2009-06-27T00:19:00.000-07:00

Here is the Dean 300 route, double click to enlarge.

And the Poor Student 200 route.

Both maps from bikely.com

The Deans 300 and the Poor Student 200 PERMS

2009-06-22T13:45:00.000-07:00

Next Sunday/Monday will be my last big push before LEL. I am going to similate day 3 and 4, and ride a very hilly 300 (3900m climbing compared with 3467m LEL climbing on day 3) followed by a 200 (2000m climbing compared with 1190m LEL climbing on day 4). Its almost like a 600, but with some sleep in between (I hope!).

I can get the train to Oxford on Saturday evening and stay in the youth hostel. On Sunday I'll start riding at 4:45 and set off again the following day at 7:20. Good luck to my room mates!

I've been given a wonderful cycling book written by the one and only Eddy Merckx (thank you meim!) where I saw the ergo handlebars I now want! Lets see if Prologue Cycling can help me out - just need to find time to get to the shop. You'll read LEL advise, and its all about minimising discomfort. Hands and feet take their toll. For my feet I'm going to revert to my racing shoes, and for my hands .... extra tape or maybe an ergo bar (please be in stock!).

Super Randonneur!

2009-06-21T01:39:00.000-07:00

LEL Start

2009-06-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

Yesterday, I rode the first 100km of LEL and back. Couldn't resist taking this picture of course. The first stop at Gamlingay is on Stocks Lane.

If the weather on LEL is going to be like yesterday, it will be perfect: slightly overcast with the sun coming through every now and again.

It was a really good trial run. Having got used to reading the routesheet, which is in a different format from other Audaxes, will be helpful. I am now going to spend time reformatting the pages: add alternate row shading, highlight 'immediate left/rights', highlight '1st exit at second roundabout'.... all the things which catch you out when you get tired (or even not so tired!). Having been at the Lea Valley Youth Hostel and ridden the first 100km will help to settle my nerves on the day.

I was able to do this trial run with the help of our ex-neighbours, the Nesbitts, who have moved to Barnet, East London. I stayed with them on the Friday and set off early on Saturday. Ali has offered to take me to the LEL start and even pick me up from the end. That is such a wonderful offer!! And will make a world of difference.

Do you remember the Bryan Chapman Memorial ride report BCM Ride Report, where I wrote about an angel who tapped me on the arm and said he was going to make sure I'd make it to the end? This person is known to the Nesbitts because he was their architect for their house conversion. Now I can't wait to see Mel again and have a good natter with him.

LEL Riders

2009-06-16T23:12:00.001-07:00

Interesting post on the LEL website, giving a breakdown of riders per country:

STOP PRESS: Target reached for Bfd! Keep giving!

2009-06-14T23:20:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all my supporters who donated towards Bees for Development. The target of £1400 was reached in June with still six weeks to go.

To set a target of £1400 was very ambitious I thought at the time. But £1 per km is something that struck a chord in me and couldn't let it go. I am absolutely amazed that the target has been reached already and donations are still coming in.

Its all left for me to do on 26th July!

Thank you so much!

The Summer Warmer 200

2009-06-12T23:42:00.000-07:00

Quick update (sorry no pictures this time).

Seems a long time ago since I did the Bryan Chapman Memorial ride. Its time to get back in the routine of weekend Audaxing.

This weekend was a 200km ride in Buckinghamshire, starting in Great Kingshill. My aim was to ride out of my comfort zone as much as possible.

I averaged 21.6km/hr. I'm very happy with that, because my LEL calculations are based on 20km/hr. It took 9:45 hours to cycle 230km (excluding stops).

It was a wonderfully sunny day, with a great route, going out to the Guildord/Hazelmere area.

Next Saturday, I'll be cycling the start and end of LEL. I'll go out from about 7AM for 6 hours and then return. It will be interesting to see what distance I cover. On the Sunday, I'll do a repeat for the three Richmond Park laps, which I did last Saturday and aim to beat my time (too bad to publish!).

Hill Climbing in Spain

2009-06-07T01:40:00.000-07:00

I took the opportunity to do some cycling while on holiday in Andalusia. Hired a bike and selected a route with three dizzling descents (read cruel climbs). Did four days in a row. The first was the hardest because I didn't get the bike till lunchtime, so it was very hot. The second day, I set off earlier, then it was very foggy in the hills. The third day produced the best time and I slept all afternoon. The last day, was my treat day, and I did the route anti-clockwise.

The snapshot below is from a video which you can play by clicking here. Make sure the sound is on.

The Bryan Chapman Memorial 600 - the day after.

2009-05-18T07:57:00.000-07:00

When I explain what Audax is to people who show the slightest bit of interest (!), I always say its about unsupported long distance cycling. The long distance cycling is of course true, but the 'unsupported' is really something I need to find another word for.

The support for and on the BCM was amazing. From friends and family, work colleagues, the organiser, the volunteers at the controls, the cyclists, the check in lady at the Travelodge ...

She was the start of a good weekend, she was so friendly, welcoming and helpul. She wanted to help Pete out with storing his kitbag till Sunday, but her boss wouldn't have it. It would be a health and safety risk. I would have thought that the BCM would be much more of a health and safety risk to us, than the bag would be to anybody. Still she let all of us take our bike into the room.

And Pete gave out good signals too: "You'll love the BCM" he said, "Its a wonderful ride".

After checking in, Bez, Pete, the Faccombe Four and I went for a meal at the Boar's Head in Aust, joined by several more BCMers.

Bez and I cycled over the Severn Bridge to the start the next day. It wasn't too windy and we took it really easy. I was nervous at the start, anxious. Good though, to see familiar faces from other Audaxes. I was wanting to take photos of extremes, like Hummer's ultra lightweight setup as if he was going out for a 30 miler; to the bike with full double panniers. But I was too focussed on being ready for the start. I knew that if I didn't take photos then, I would never have the opportunity again!

If you can spot me, you can see how focussed I am on the start!

I really enjoyed all the way to Menai Bridge. Going over the suspension bridge was a highlight for me (halfway point and interesting bridge). After that, it wasn't a ride of many highlights, but a matter of survival. The night ride back to Kings YH took far too long, leaving me with 30 mins for a quick sleep and skip breakfast. Charlotte, Greenbank and I discussed tactics here, not knowing if its better to invest time in sleep and go in time deficit, or to just keep going. I decided to do the next 'short' section and have another kip there. But again, I was too slow and felt I had no time to sleep, so carried on. I wasn't feeling too bad, I didn't get too cold compared with others (only once where my hands were freezing, that was when I caught up with the Faccombe Free by then!), didn't feel hungry at any stage and didn't run out of water.

It was at Kings Youth Hostel that the first magical moment happened, although I didn't fully realise this till I finished. I had already chatted with RichForrest when he was contemplating spending the rest of the day/night/day helping out at the YH. When I did arrive at the hostel in the early hours of Sunday morning, he made me the best, strongest coffee ever and him being around was just so good for me. Now skip to the finish or even the following day where my mum was so delighted to tell me that RichForrest's comment on my blog, saying he saw me leave the YH, meant the world to her! Waiting two days for a worrying mum is quite something, then to get such a message out of the blue ... Silverbackcyclist ... thank you so much - you are a star!

The controls were fabulous. The volunteers would know exactly what you need and want: have a chair (oh thanks!), would you like some hot soup (oh yes please!), or rice pudding (oh yes! both!), cup a tea?

Another magical moment was on the last leg. I had a quick kip of 1o mins on the grass verge, because I couldn't go anymore. I was falling asleep on the bike and was seeing double. Then an angel appeared. He tapped me on the arm and said he was going to make sure I'd make it to the end. I put my whole trust in him - no point fighting this! This was with 80km to go, which is a long way for not wanting to go on anymore! That would be about 4 hours worth of your body and mind saying stop. Thankfully, an Audax is "unsupported", because if a broom wagon had come along with someone saying 'hop in', I would have (would I?).

It didn't rain the whole way, but that is how I remember it. At first, it would shower and you'd dry off again, but towards the end, the rain was continuous. The hailstorms also were painful. Everything became wet, even my brevet card, which I normally treasure and keep dry. All the stamps probably washed into one, I don't know, I didn't look anymore, just handed it in.

Which brings me to another magical moment! From the finish control, I had to cycle back across the Severn Bridge to the Travelodge. Not far, but I didn't want to. Sorry I don't know his name, but a fellow cyclist (and budding beekeeper!) offered a lift in a van that would have enough space for the bike. Oh yes please!

Other moments: the fireworks at Beddgelert, the Honeypot Cafe where I wanted to buy one of their T-shirts (Blacksheep offered his instead), hearing cuckoos and owls again, the hallucinations not being too bad, learning about "Death Shimmy" (but sorry it happened to LEE, who then packed), the crossing of Barmouth Bridge, hearing John 'two punctures before the start' Spooner shouting "wake up" as I was shaking my head in dozy disbelief of what was going on...

Here are a few quotes from the YACF forum which made me realise what has been achieved by all participants - well done everybody!:

Out of the 80 or so that started about 30 packed and went home at some point in the ride due to the bad weather (RichForrest).
He said there are still about 20 still out there, and that he'd not want to still be riding - it's raining, windy and very cold (Fidgetbuzz).
I am wondering if this is the hardest ride I have done to date (Bianchi Boy).
That decides it; never doing this ride again (Martin).
Just starting the ride in those conditions merit a medal (Jethro).
First rider back was about 3 hours slower than last year (teethgrinder).
Youtube clip (geraldc) - don't know why this made me laugh so much!

All the people who made a difference: the Faccombe Four, Greenbank, Scotlington, John Spooner, Pete, Mel, Mercury, Bez, organiser Mark Rigby, RichForrest, Charlotte, Pompey Phil, all the volunteers, Paul and budding beekeeper ... thank you! .. and Hummers, how can I forget Hummers!

My recovery was really strange. I now know about the Tuesday Blues, which I got badly, but its as if my body was in three parts. Apart from sore feet, my physical body was OK. My brain wasn't switching on again for a long time although my emotions were on overdrive. And the weirdest was very sore top stomach muscles and pain inside to the core.

What have I learned? I [sort of] enjoyed the first 520km. In the penultimate stage, I could really push it, eventhough I was tired. My disappointment was my complete collapse in the last 80km. And I think it must be due to lack of sleep and lack of food. I wasn't hungry at any stage and tried to eat deliberately, but it was probably too little.

I need to find out my own sleep strategy, whether to invest in sleep despite going in time deficit. And I need to find a way of eating better. I think I do OK with food, but my calorie intake was probably far too low.

Would I do it again? Certainly. I'd like to do the ride over five days. I would wait for the best 5 day weather forecast and then set off and visit some friends in Anglesey while I'm there.

Have a look at the photos - on the slideshow till the next ride or click here.

The Bryan Chapman Memorial 600 - the day before.

2009-05-15T00:18:00.000-07:00

Except, officially its 619km, but I'm forgetting about the 19. This is the Audax tag line: "Traverse Wales twice, taking in some of the finest (and diverse) scenery the principality has to offer. Total Climb: 8300m. Speeds: 15-30 kph"

Its the day before and many things are going well. I have the day off to do the ritual and other things like check YACF, go for a haircut, go food shopping, check YACF, get new batteries for everything that needs a battery, check the weather, check YACF, ring Sarah, check the weather, get the routesheet laminated, check YACF, drink a coffee, run around in mild panic for a while, check the weather, pack the clothes, drink another coffee although I'd better not, start to think about leaving, better just check YACF and the weather again ...

So what is not going so well? I have inflammation on my right achilles. Brufen, brufen, brufen. I have walked the Heapfy Track with the same symptoms, and finished it (mind you, there is no other way!). I'll just have to think the same on BCM.

16 May - The Bryan Chapman Memorial 600

2009-05-05T23:37:00.000-07:00

I have a good feeling about this one (double click to enlarge map and you'll see why):

From Bikely.com

The Bryan Chapman 600 is a there and back ride. This will be my first 600km ride and would complete the SR series (Super Randonneur: 300, 400 and 600km rides in one season). Its a typical preparation for LEL, although I don't intend on doing 400km ride stints on LEL! The plan is to do around 300km per day, the first day will be the longest in terms of distance (324km).

The Poor Student 200 Revisited on New Bike

2009-05-04T00:16:00.000-07:00

This is the new bike on its first outing: it ran very nicely. I just need to do a little more fettling (= prutsen in flemish!) to get the setup just right. The seat needs be lowered just a fraction, but was at its lowest. So, I'll need to saw of a bit off the stem, or swap with another. The handlebar needs to be tilted up a bit and I'd like some extra padding (on the handlebar).

All in all, I was very happy and really noticed the greater flexibility compared with the racing bike which is very stiff (good for sprinting though!).

So I decided to repeat The Poor Student 200 route, which takes you from Oxford to Malmesbury and through the Cotswolds. It is a lovely route. I completed the route in 11.5 hours, which is an improvement on 13.5 hours when we did it in January. But then the conditions were very different!

Here are some pictures of the scenery:

STOP PRESS: £1000 Reached for BfD

2009-04-26T14:01:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all my supporters who donated towards Bees for Development. £1000 was reached after four months (on 26th April) of fundraising with still three months to go.

I have had a cycling break in April. Any day this week, my new bike should arrive. Then at the weekend, I am going to try it out on a couple of 200km bike rides. Will let you know how it goes.

Thank you so much!

Beekeepers Spring Convention 18 April

2009-04-21T11:30:00.000-07:00

The Beekeepers Spring Convention is a big day in the diary of a beekeeper. Its a chance to pick up bargains from the vendors, to attend lectures and demonstrations, to socialise, and ... bump into a famous person like Bill Turnbull.

Bill was at the Bees for Development stand to officially open the new website.

I was there with my bike to draw attention to the stand and raise funds in support of LEL (raised almost £130) - will try and get hold of a picture with me in it.

It was a great day, met most of the trustees, many volunteers and the core staff like Nicola Bradbear, Helen Jackson and Elaine Spencer. I attended Nicola Bradbear's lecture. The picture below illustrates one of the challenges in development. People want to "modernise" beekeeping, but its just impractical to hoist a framed hive into a tree: they are heavy and come apart easily. The reason hives are lifted off the ground is to avoid termite damage.

This 'overdevelopment' is something BfD advocate against.

The Denmead 400 Perm - Ride Report

2009-04-06T22:19:00.000-07:00

It is telling that on Sunday I wrote: "Finished the ride in time". For a couple of dark hours I thought I wasn't going to make it. But what can you do? Its the middle of the night, dark, everything closed, the odd light on - but you wouldn't knock on anyone's door. teethgrinder had given me the best piece of advice: "... don't give up, even if it looks like you wont finish. Sometimes things turn around and get better." Between 3/4AM of Sunday that kept going through my head, I gathered that by 4AM things would turn around, so in the mean time, I might as well cycle a bit. I stop/started many times, to try and warm up. The windchill generated by movement was horrible. On the Saturday morning I had already complained of painful feet, and now I didn't know anymore if they were painful or cold. Then I started to forget about the cold, the landscape flattened, there were glimmers of dawn and the end was 'imaginable'. I constantly redid my ETA (estimated time of arrival) calculations, getting later and later, but the last one sticking with about 30km to go, to arrive by 9AM.

What a day - 26 hours!

I already mentioned the highlights being Cheddar Gorge and getting into Weston-super-Mare. Going down Cheddar Gorge brought similar emotions to reaching Whitstable on a FNRttC last year, with that beautiful sunrise. There was a group of Minis parked in one of the bays. Had to take a picture for Sarah of course. The owners scuttled away from their cars, I can only think because they were eating pizzas out of carboard boxed and didn't want that to spoil the picture!

It was great to have Urban_Biker and Chillmoister as companions again. Even the full set of the Faccombe Four appeared, with LEE and keeks joining us for parts of the ride. As always, I am very grateful for their support. Although we don't ride together the whole of the time, you do have the feeling that you are in this together.

Urban_biker very kindly put up two tents in his back garden for Chillmoister and I, to have a kip at the end of the ride. I tiptoed around wondering which tent Chillmoister was in - didn't hear any snoring as promised, and was lucky to find the first one I tried empty. I unzipped as quietly as one can! Tried to muffle my gargling cough which had developed all of a sudden. You've guessed it already of course, he wasn't there, but had already gone home.

Other things of note:

Headwind: 200kms of it, all the way to Weston-super-Mare, 17kph had been the forecast.

Spoke: back wheel spoke broke (when/where was this Chillmoister?), fortunately the wheel stayed true enough.

Mileometer: stopped working, making navigation more difficult. Had lots of navigation doubts in those deep, dark hours I talked about. Used the iPhone mapping on many occassions.

Wildlife: oystercatchers heard over Frome, lots and lots of tawny owls calling - lovely. Also lots of spring nectar smells, probably hawthorne.

The Oxford Corner Restaurant: was a great, friendly place to have a meal of baked beans on toast and chips in portions none of us could finish. The staff were not at all stirred by the fact we cycled from Portsmouth, probably because it is a regular stop for Denmead 400 audaxers . I'm puzzled though why giving an 'audax receipt' was still not part of the routine.

Swarm: while at the restaurant, Sarah called to say there was a swarm happening on the allotment. Briefly I thought she was joking, because we always say that the bees wait till I've gone out cycling. But no, there is photographic evidence even! I'll check the hives at the weekend, but I would be very, very surprised if the swarm was from one of our hives.

The Bear and Ragged Staff: what does the pub name mean? Maybe this link provides some answers : clicky.

Meim ... please skip this paragraph and go to next ...
RTA (road traffic accident): after Salisbury plains when relieved to have got to the next T junction, and me being ahead of Chillmoister and Urban_biker for the one time, I stop, lean my bike against a post ready to have a little break, when I hear the unmistakeable sound of a car on car collision. I look around and saw a car tumbling down the slope. The atmosphere changes, cars stop, people get out and help the man and women out of the crashed car, alive. Soon after Chillmoister and Urban_biker catch up with me, I was pleased to see them.

... maybe skip this one too ...
Hallucinations: had three types of hallucinations

roundabouts and T-junctions: in stage 6, 19 out of 29 instructions were roundabouts or TJ's. No wonder I started to see them everywhere. Especially in trees.
people waiting to wave at me only to morph into postboxes or hedges as I get nearer.
and the spookiest of all are the shadows, because shadows move. They are like giant cranes, like giant arcade pick a toy grippers, ready, waiting to pick you up as you move beneath them. I imagined being picked up and being dropped somewhere ... at the finish.

The Denmead 400 PERM - Done

2009-04-05T22:39:00.000-07:00

A quick touching base to say that I finished the ride in time. It was the toughest ride I have ever done but my spirits stayed up. Photos up (on the slideshow until the next ride or click here), ride report to follow

Started at 7:08 Saturday, finished at 9:05 Sunday.

Highlights: Cheddar Gorge and approach into Weston-super-Mare

STOP PRESS: 50% of Fundraising Target Reached

2009-03-28T23:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you to all my supporters who donated towards Bees for Development. 50% of target was reached after three months (on 28th March) of fundraising with still four months to go.

It has been an enormous morale boost to get such early support! When I was in the last 80km of the Denmead 300 bike ride (the longest ride I had ever done), I did think of all of you who have been so generous with donations and wishes. It pulled me through and I'm sure that on the LEL event in July this support effect will play an even greater role!

Thank you so much!

The Denmead 400 Perm - 4th April

2009-03-24T13:49:00.001-07:00

The mental preparation starts for the next challenge: 400km in one go.

There were a few lessons learned on the 300, which was the first 'perm' I did. A 'perm', is a 'permanent' ride organised by Audax. That is a 'perm' as opposed to a 'calendar event' which is scheduled on specific days. A perm can be ridden on any day. The controls are shops, services, cashpoints or any place where you can obtain a receipt with date/time and location printed. This adds some time you spend off the bike. On a long distance ride, these all add up and can make the difference between a happy finish before midnight compared with a less happy finish after midnight. So, on the 400 we'll be looking for more efficient turnarounds at controls where we don't want to stop.

The Denmead 300 Perm - Pictures Up.

2009-03-22T23:18:00.000-07:00

Camera found! Check out the slideshow (up until the next ride).

Other things you could be doing on a Saturday:

The Denmead 300 Perm - DONE

2009-03-22T04:20:00.001-07:00

Sunday morning:
A quick note to say I'm home! Its now Sunday 11:30AM, had a shower and breakfast and am not feeling too bad. I can walk!

We finished at 2AM, and I got home at 5:30AM, stopping about 5 times along the way to take powernaps.

Will post more later - taking Poppy for walk, and looking at the bees this afternoon.

Sunday afternoon:
I'm a bit downbeat at the moment. Because as I set to blog yesterday's ride and put the photos up, I realised I couldn't find my camera anywhere. Hopefully it will still turn up somewhere sometime.

We had a very ambitious plan, to finish before midnight. By late lunch time, we realised we were not going to achieve this. Instead we finished at 2AM. I probably added an hour for everybody, being the slowest and loosing a lot of time on the hills.

I have mixed emotions about this ride. On a positive side, I managed to complete the ride, with 2.45 hours to spare. The light system was fantastic, my saddle bag worked out. My chain fell off a couple of times but there were no punctures. My eating and drinking was good. Had the right clothing. Fantastic, generous company. The weather couldn't have been better. The scenery beautiful.

So what was wrong? My slow hill climbing sets me back quite badly and plays on my mind. The biggest concern I have is the night riding. The navigation gets more difficult because its harder to keep an eye on the routesheet and the road (even with the brilliant dynamo light). Its harder to read the road signs. I pay good attention to the mileage to work out where I am and take note of the next instruction on the routesheet. I overshot one junction, and quickly realised I was wrong so turned back. I overshot a second junction, but had Pete not called me on the mobile, I wouldn't have realised for an other couple of miles (not quite true as I was slowing down thinking the junction must be soon or behind me). And when you're tired, I think such mistakes can easily happen. Again, these things play on my mind.

Back in January, after the first 200, I stated that I could not see how I would ever do a 300. Now I am saying that I can not see how I am ever going to do 4 300s in a row!

I got home at 5:30AM, stopping about 5 times along the way to take powernaps. The drive normally take less than 1.5 hours.

Some stats: 20.4kph average, 52.3 max, 178bpm max heartrate, 140bpm average heartrate, 8847 calories burnt.

A big big thank you to the now named Denmead Dynamos: Chillmoister, Urban_Biker and Keeks for being such excellent company. Unfortunately, LEE had DNS'd (Did not start) because of a stomach bug. Hummers joined us for a while too after providing a welcome breakfast bite. I have doubts though whether I'll do the 400 with them in two weeks time. I do hold them back more than is acceptable I feel - so will suggest I either ride a calendar event, or go my own pace.

Also a big thank you to Sarah for letting out the chickens two mornings in a row!

The Denmead 300 - Tomorrow

2009-03-20T00:08:00.000-07:00

This is the route for tomorrow. Starting north of Portsmouth at 7AM, north around Southampton and outskirting south of the New Forest, furthest point is lovely Blandford Forum and then back, almost touching Salisbury. We are hoping to finish before midnight! (double click the map for a clearer view).

The weather forecast for tomorrow is the best it has been all year.

FNRttC March 2009 - Brighton

2009-03-14T06:37:00.000-07:00

I was asked many times if 'this' was something to do with Red Nose Day! It would have been so much easier to say yes, but it was so much more fun to see the ensuing facial expressions when the truth was told. Mind you, its hard to explain when asked "Why do you cycle to Brighton, from London, in the middle of the night?". And you do this on Red Nose day? And you are not raising money? Should have referred them to my JustGiving site ...

We had the usual stop start exit out of London, before we came to quiet lanes. We had some really fast stretches (max 52.5 km/h). I also love the rolling section after the climb in Coulsdon

We cycled through residential areas, went through gates onto a footpath, left, right, up, down and ... all of a sudden, into a back alley, bike on shoulder, up the stairs and 'Arrivals'. Being in Gatwick Airport was quite surreal.

I just love FNRttC. Every ride is different. The only thorn in the side last night was an on/off puncture. Not so bad in itself, but you know that it holds up the group and it meant that I ended up walking up Ditchling Beacon. I have never walked up that hill before (I mean, I always manage to cycle up - slowly).

The mist over Ditchling Beacon and Brighton was an improvement on the hail we had last year. Shame we couldn't even see the sea though! I didn't have good memories of the Madeira Cafe breakfast, but this morning's Full English was pukka (= the max).

It was a great group of people with old and new faces. It was great catching up with Brian, Chris, the scott and meeting new cyclists.

Had a smooth journey back home, good train connections, coffee ready at home!

More photos are here.

First FNRttC of 2009 - Brighton

2009-03-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

This Friday, 13th, I will be joining Simon Legg's gang, cycling from Hyde Park Corner to Brighton, starting at midnight.

Somebody stated that the first FNRttC signals end of winter. And I completely agree. I am so looking forward to this ride.

Watch out for ride report and photos Saturday morning ... lunchtime.

21 March - Denmead 300

2009-03-07T14:49:00.001-08:00

So, here we are, its March. Ready to take on the first 300km ride. The longest ride I have ever done in one day, has been 200km. The last ride, the Kennett Valley Run 200km went very well, and I felt I could have done a few more km. I am really looking forward to this ride and am not at all apprehensive. Just excited, and in anticipation of how its going to go. I am very motivated for this, because it will be a first tester for LEL, where 300 will be the daily distance (or there about).

Churches with Round Towers

2009-03-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

I followed up my curiosity about why churches with round towers are unusual, and found that they are particularly unusual outside of East Anglia. Welford's St Gregory's Church would be one of only 12 such churches outside of East Anglia. The round tower is Norman believed to have been built on Saxon foundations.

Where there is a lack of conventional stone, walls were made of flint. To make the corners strong, they would need to bring in stone from a distance, making it expensive. The solution was to make round towers. When a congregation could afford it, they would upgrade the tower to the square style, which carried much more prestige. This is another reason why round towers are so rare, and also why they tend to be found hidden in small country areas.

The Kennet Valley Run - Done

2009-02-28T23:42:00.001-08:00

This was a great ride with beautiful scenery. I had a bad patch halfway. I was feeling very sleepy. If I had been on my own, I would have stopped for a quick snooze. Instead, I drank Lucozade, slowed down for a bit and carried on. Not sure what the right strategy would be.

But other than that, I felt really good. For the first time after a 200, I felt I could have gone on. With my new dynamo light also, cycling in the dark is no longer so daunting. So this ride has given my a lot of confidence.

Saw a lot of familiar faces, from previous rides, and YACFers. Its nice to catch up, see what others have been up to, what their 2009 ambitions are, how they are getting on ...

The area around Welford was really nice. There is a privately owned Manor House with surrounding park, which is only open to the public when the snowdrops are out. May make a visit. The associated church looks impressive too, it appears that a round tower is unusual. Click on this link (and then 'Search for images') to see some images on Google.

St Zozimus and St Sabatius - beekeeper patrons

2009-02-23T10:59:00.000-08:00

St Ambrosius (c340), as an infant, had a swarm of bees leaving a drop of honey in his mouth, which lead to the unusual sweetness in his lyrics. St Ambrosius is the best known patron saint in the world of beekeeping.

But its St Zozimus and St Sabatius who are 'protectors of beekeepers'.

When they setup the monastry (1436) on the Solovetsky Islands in the White Sea, they were left with a huge headache - where to get the candle wax from? St Zozimus walked to Egypt to collect a handful of bees with a queen. He carried them back in a 'skep walking stick'. This was the beginning of apiculture in the Ukraine.

Image from http://www.beekeeping.com.ua/.

Belgian Knee Warmers

2009-02-21T13:41:00.000-08:00

For sale at Rapha. How bizarre.

Cozy Beehive

2009-02-21T06:38:00.000-08:00

On the right hand side, underneath my picture, you can see a new feature: a list of blogs I tap into.

Of course, any Blogs I put on this list will be cycling or bee related. The first one added is both! Well, in name anyway: Cozy Beehive

Its a very professional cycling site, and very interesting. The author is a mechanical engineer, so expect some technical articles. Can't beat him on the play on bee words game!

If you have never heard of Jeannie Longo Ciprelli, then you must read this:Jeannie Longo

28th February - The Kennet Valley Run 200

2009-02-21T02:27:00.000-08:00

This is the next ride in the training plan. Will be doing this together with the Faccombe Four as its part of our SR quest. SR is Super Randonneur. Its an Audax award where you cycle a 200, 300, 400 and 600km ride in one season. We've already done a 200, but need a couple more 'to get the miles in'.

It has also been dubbed 'The last of the easy rides' !!!

Route sheet has arrived 20th. Next phase in the ritual is to get the bike checked over.

Faccombe Haul Route - 100km

2009-02-14T12:48:00.000-08:00

LEE, Mercury, Richard and I did the Faccombe Haul route on Sunday 15th. Its a hilly ride of 100km. The weather was looking favourable, but there was a lot of residual snow on the ridge, making cycling very difficult at times.

It is an absolutely georgeous route, like all hilly routes tend to be. But this time, I didn't enjoy it so much. I really, really struggled. It seemed I had no strength. Fortunately, Mercury and LEE were there to keep me going.

Saw a barn owl and heard lots of buzzards.

A theme of snow ...

Beekeeping

2009-02-14T02:27:00.000-08:00

I grew up with beekeeping. My dad is the best teacher of the wonders of bees and their products. He often has school classes coming to his apiary for an introduction. The story of the bee with five eyes is always a favourite.

Birthday at home.

2009-02-08T02:29:00.001-08:00

Picture speaks for itself! My biggest LEL supporters!

SR - Super Randonneur

2009-02-01T02:34:00.000-08:00

From the Audax website: "Audax UK's traditional award for the top 10% of hardened night-riders. Ride a series of 200, 300, 400 & 600km all in one season. Longer events can substitute for shorter - eg, 2x400 plus 2x600 is also counted as an SR series. AUK have a smart new presentation SR medal, based on a design by Jaques Dorleans."

The Faccombe Four and I, making up the Faccombe Five, thought it would be 'nice' to do an SR. It would be a great achievement to obtain an SR award and it's perfect training for LEL.

So I am focussing on the SR - if that works out, then I'll be in a good position to tackle LEL with confidence.

The Willy Warmer - Done

2009-01-31T23:43:00.000-08:00

The Willy Warmer was a popular Audax, with over 60 entrants. It was a great crowd with many familiar faces. The event was extremely well organised - thank you to Manotea.

My sister commented that this could be called The Willy Colder. Which is very true. The last section after the Sainsbury's stop was very cold. I get bouts of 'white finger'. On a ride, it usually starts when I take a break and while it hurts, it hurts even more when the circulation kicks in again. This is what was happening in the next hour after Sainsbury's.

The second half was tough because of the headwind. I still made good time - which is what counts really. You soon forget how you felt, as long as 'the job is done'.

On the train home I received a phone call from my mum, saying that a Belgian friend had made a very generous 100 euro donation on the LEL JustGiving site. What timing to receive that news! It brought tears to my eyes.

I tried to reduce non-cycling time, so my stops were brief. I only took a couple of picture at the end. Here they are:

Does Sarah Cycle?

2009-01-31T06:37:00.000-08:00

On rides, I am often asked if Sarah cycles. As you can see in the photo, she does, but not the distances I like to do.

Indeed, this was taken at Camp Bestival 2008. I can't believe Rob Da Bank put back the festival by a week for 2009. It was going to be ideal: the weekend before LEL, go down to Lulworth, chill out for a long weekend with great music, great company and great food. But no, now Bestival coincides with LEL. This means I don't get to go to Camp Bestival AND and nobody will be around to take me to the start of LEL.

31 January - The Willy Warmer 200

2009-01-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

The Willy Warmer will be the second of this year's 200km bike rides. Willesden Cycling Club organise the Audax, hence the name!

My light brackets have not arrived yet. Should be anytime now, that is either tomorrow or Friday. Otherwise, I'll have to rethink my setup and resort to battery lights and backpack.

Friday update: still no brackets and the car is out of action. Its been a great week! Even my communiting bike needed work on the freewheel, so I was without for a couple of days. I felt like an alien, walking out of the office without a helmet on and I was doing a Ellen McCarthur on public transport.

I didn't want to post anything on YACF, until my lights were sorted out. I'm itching to register my intend to cycle this event. Its all part of the ritual.

Bees for Development (BfD)

2009-01-16T12:19:00.000-08:00

BfD is an organisation who enables people to use bees as a food source and livelihood. Below are some examples to illustrate the extraordinary powers of beekeeping in developing countries and the need for NGOs' assistance:

* Disease: In the 80-90s, the Thai Sac Brood virus wiped out an estimated 89% of colonies in India. NGOs can provide training programmes on early detection, treatment, bio-security to prevent re-infection and queen-rearing to assist quicker re-population.

* Women in Afghanistan: Because bees can be kept within the boundaries of the home, the Taliban regards beekeeping as an acceptable activity for women. They need equipment and knowledge to get setup.

* Iraq: UN sanctions ment the beekeepers could not get hold of treatment against the varroa mite, leading to 15% loss of colonies. BfD raises awareness of such issues.

More examples to come ...

What is FNRttC?

2009-01-13T22:32:00.000-08:00

FNRttC stands for Friday Night Ride to the Coast. They are rides starting from Hyde Park Corner at midnight on a Friday, with a coast as destination. Organised by Mr Simon Legg of Morden and Cheam CTC. Its a no frills, turn up and ride affair. Not quite, Simon keeps tabs on who will turn up, with a list of names, phone and CTC membership numbers.

They are absolutely fanstastic, my favourite last year was the Whitstable run.

Simon wrote an article for the Guardian, worth reading for its style, even if you are not a cyclist and will never do a moon lit ride on a Friday - Clicky

The Poor Student - Done

2009-01-11T23:05:00.000-08:00

Thank you, thank you to the fantastic Fabulous Faccombe Four - and Mercury! No way would I have completed this ride without them! Navigation, company, chats, light! I have only ever cycled at night in a group: Dun Run, FNRttCs and this one, and although I love it, I also find it scary at times. The thought of night riding on my own scares me a lot. Maybe the Willy Warmer will provide me with an opportunity to overcome my fears?

It was a great route, weather better than expected, hills not as bad as expected. I am very pleased with how it went, but it was tough. Its only the first in the season, and fitness and endurance will get better. But for now, I don't know how I will ever do a 400.

We started at 8 AM, cycled from Oxford to Shrivenham, to Malmesbury, to Chipping Campden and back to Oxford arriving just before 9.30 PM. The final control closed at 10.25.

I am very tired. Didn't sleep very well - how is that possible?

The Faccombe Four

LEE and Mercury

LEL Profile

2009-01-10T07:15:00.000-08:00

It starts off flat, then you cross the Pennines ...

and towards Edinburgh it looks like this:

Source: http://www.freewebs.com/lel-gps/stageprofiles.htm

11 January - The Poor Student 200

2009-01-01T23:02:00.001-08:00

This is the first of the training rides and the first time I will be doing 200km in January. It will not be easy, its a long way, it will be cold and it is a shoestring event. A shoestring event, means there will not be the usual Audax controls where you can get a morale boost by seeing friendly controllers and have a cup a tea with a piece of cake. Either you carry all supplies or stop at bakeries, petrol stations, Tescos, etc.

However, several of the Fabulous Faccombe Four will be riding, and that already provides for plenty of morale support. The Faccombe Four are Keeks, Urban_Biker, Chillmoister and LEE whom I met on the Faccombe Haul, last year. We have met up again on various rides since then.

Wizzbike in Brentford serviced my bike. There was a bit of work to be done, because I wanted lower gearing and they found the back brake to be faulty. I rode the bike home along the canal and it was running beautifully. Top marks to the mechanic Karim. He seemed very knowledgeable and quite a perfectionist.

Training Plan

2009-01-01T13:44:00.001-08:00

Main training Audax events:

200km - The Poor Student (Oxford) - 11 Jan - DONE
200km - The Willy Warmer (Chalfont St Peter) - 31 Jan - DONE
200km - The Kennett Valley Run (Grazeley) - 28 Feb - DONE
300km - The Denmead 300 Perm - 21 Mar - DONE
400km - The Denmead 400 Perm - 4 Apr - DONE

400km - Brevet Cymru (Nouvo) (Chepstow) - 02 May - No longer doing because expecting new bike when I'll do two 200s.
200km - ? Repeat of the Poor Student?
200km - ? Repeat of the Faccombe Haul?

619km - The Brian Chapman Memorial (Chepstow) - 16 May

June needs some more thoughts, I mean miles.
200km - Winton (Kings Worthy) - 14 Jun
400km - Denmead SR Series (Denmead) - 20 Jun
Dun Run and Back - 3/4 July - No longer doing because teethgrinder suggested no night rides in the month of LEL
200km - Six Counties (Hertford) - 19 Jul
1400km - LEL - 26 Jul

Why LEL?

2009-01-01T13:35:00.001-08:00

I don't know - it has to be done. The event is only every 4 years, and I couldn't wait till 2013. That is a year after the London Olympics!

And because LEL is such a challenge of endurance, self-sufficiency, fitness and partner relationship (!), I am going to raise funds for Bees for Development.

What is LEL?

2009-01-01T13:30:00.001-08:00

London-Edinburgh-London: 'The international flaship event of Audax UK', a 1400km endurance cycling event held every 4 years.

In 2005, 276 riders started the fifth London-Edinburgh-London. 246 completed the event, a 14 per cent drop out, similar to PBP (Paris-Brest-Paris) on what is, a more demanding event. LEL is 200km longer than the French classic and the northern half is hilly and cold!

On 26th July 2009, 600 riders from 30 countries will be starting, aiming to complete the ride in 116 hours.