Back to the cycling after two week out due to horrific sunburn and taking care of my mum's cat.
My friend just got her new house, so we decided to meet on the east lancs. It took me about an hour to get there cycling up some hills from my flat through abram then Golborne... I still ended up at the wrong junction he he. She found me though, by this point it was midday and it was a scorcher...I did remember my suncream though ;)
We cycled along the well made cycle route adjacent to the east lancs right up to Salford then we came back the same way. It only took us about an hour roughly to cycle up to Salford and about 45 minutes to get back to my friends house, which was slightly further on from where we started.
One of the best feelings on this ride was the last 20 minutes when despite it being humid, hot and sticky the heavens opened and we got slightly soaked. It had stopped by the time we arrived at her house, but it most certainly helped. I do like the rain but I cant say I have ever been more pleased to see it. I think the temperature was averaging at 27 degrees!! Now for us little britainers that's damn hot!! No? You cycle in it then for 3 hours lol. :p
We reckoned we'd only done about 20 miles, so we googled it, well my friends other half did and shockingly we had done 30 miles up the east lancs and back! We were quite pleased it hadn't felt like that at all, it is however looking likely that 62 miles will take us close to 6 hours to do... sigh...
Cycling from home I had managed to push my mileage up to 37 I was rather elated by this.
We're estimating on the day, starting at 7.30am that we will arrive at Blackpool at about 2.30pm...yes that gives us about 7 hours so if we finish before then (if we finish at all), we wont be disappointed...
2 weeks to go and counting...hoping the weather cools down a little for the big day...
Oh and on another pleasing note, I have raised over £100 so far! :)
Thanks to everyone.
Monday, 29 June 2009
Monday, 15 June 2009
Photies :)
This is my left arm, the camera doesn't do it justice really. You can see where the hole is in my cycling glove he he he.
My right arm compared to the unburnt part of my leg, again no justice, I really need to invest in a better camera...
And my legs, you can even see the band where my shorts stopped. My left leg has blistered now (I am sure you wanted to know that). In short... owwwww
This was the canal in Manchester with a guy feeding the ducks. I liked it but now I cant decide if that guy is about to throw bread or is scratching his bum ROFLMAO!!!
Again pretty view with my friend off cycling off into the distance lol.I unfortunately didn't take many photo's of this route but there was some stunning scenery. I shall endeavour to do better next time.
Sunburn!!!
I went cycling on Sunday. Absolutely beautiful day! Now I always take factor 60 sun cream with me everywhere, I am extremely pale it's a necessity. An hour into our journey I realised it was in my usual bag at my friends house where we started from... I'll come back to this...
Our route was one we got off cycle-route.com it's a great site, you can look up routes in your area or write your own when you've found a good one. We picked this route seemed like a nice loop of manchester and back, roughly about 30 - 35 miles or so. We set off all is well, got to Manchester in good time, set off about 10.15am got to the centre at about 12.15. (This is with stopping finding the cycle paths, trying not to die on the east lancs and stopping for occasional hydration). We were feeling pretty pleased, until we set off. Now if you've never been to Manchester this is a BAD thing, right in the centre it's like the Labyrinth. All the signs seem to either disappear or start pointing the other way. Result = very lost lol. In short we probably circled the centre twice before looking at a tram map. And we were off again!! Now we took a diversion, to try and find a route along the canal, nope that did not go well!! Got somewhere, I dont even remember where, but we found a road and kept going... so when we arrived in Sale near Altrincham (by the way when you're on the road to Altrincham it's like the world doesn't exist there are no roads going anywhere but Altrincham, slightly amusing if we weren't quite so lost). We decided to phone for help, cue boyfriend... straight on google maps, post code, done head this way then that way... ok... we thought...
We headed in the once again, right direction towards Eccles this time it finally got us to the Trafford centre which is like a bloody city all by it's bloody self. What is with the copious amounts of roundabouts!! We stopped off for a drink and toilet break (needs must).
Sun was shining constantly, I had shorts on and my jacket sleeves pulled up to my elbow because it was quite hot, nice breeze though... remember these points :)
So after circling the Trafford Centre twice, we finally, got onto the right road and we were on our way. The right route took us onto a dirt track, it was nice, country road in the middle of no where fields on both sides, glorious weather, wind in our hair good day cycling on the home stretch. That is until the road ended with a wall of trees......
Hmmm....
We went right found a helpful farmer, who said, "Been here for around 20 years, think I've seen the main road once or twice." Ha ha ha... *nervous laughter* No he was actually very helpful. We were now definitely on the right route home. It took us back over the dual carriage way and onto home turf. There was an evil hill, which we had to walk up, this point we were both shattered...
It was like 4.30pm. This says a lot about our friendship that we're still friends after this fiasco lol.
Now is it me, or does the route home always seem the hardest and longest if you know the roads and you know how far you have to go? Rather than the end being on strange roads where you dont know the distance? For the charity ride I am definitely hoping this is true.
Anyway the final hill we cycled up, not 10 minutes from home, my friend was behind me at this point, I mean right behind me, I was flagging badly, my legs hated me, my body hated me and I think my bike hated me too. The last part of that hill if my friend wasn't behind me telling me 'No we're not finished yet, you're not done.' I think I would have just laid down in the road, there were actual tears getting up that hill I am not ashamed to admit, well maybe a tear... tears is a slight exaggeration.. ahem...
We got back, 5.15pm...
Cup of tea! He he he one of the best I've tasted :) We worked out on google maps we'd done approximately 50 miles *applause*
I got back home (in my car ;) ) and discovered I was a lobster! I have not been this badly sunburnt since I was 15 and fell asleep in my mum's back garden. I hadn't even realised until I stopped cycling. My arms and the tops and sides of my legs and my face. Two days later and I am still extremely sore and very burnt...borderline 3rd degree burns we're talking here, it hurts to walk, my face is the least damaged one small consolation. I took pictures, I will put some up when I download them lol. The pain is pretty much constant at this stage, thank god for aftersun gel. Sadly it's put me out of training for the week as my body is still in shock and sore... I cant emphasise how painful it is, enough lol...
But now all I feel, after being momentarily angry with the sun, is extremely silly. I should have known better with my complexion, I cant afford to forget my sun block :(
So I shall suffer on, heal as fast as I can, with only 3 and a bit weeks left...*bites nails*
Was a good route though... we did 50 miles!! How good is that?! For a newbie I mean :p
Our route was one we got off cycle-route.com it's a great site, you can look up routes in your area or write your own when you've found a good one. We picked this route seemed like a nice loop of manchester and back, roughly about 30 - 35 miles or so. We set off all is well, got to Manchester in good time, set off about 10.15am got to the centre at about 12.15. (This is with stopping finding the cycle paths, trying not to die on the east lancs and stopping for occasional hydration). We were feeling pretty pleased, until we set off. Now if you've never been to Manchester this is a BAD thing, right in the centre it's like the Labyrinth. All the signs seem to either disappear or start pointing the other way. Result = very lost lol. In short we probably circled the centre twice before looking at a tram map. And we were off again!! Now we took a diversion, to try and find a route along the canal, nope that did not go well!! Got somewhere, I dont even remember where, but we found a road and kept going... so when we arrived in Sale near Altrincham (by the way when you're on the road to Altrincham it's like the world doesn't exist there are no roads going anywhere but Altrincham, slightly amusing if we weren't quite so lost). We decided to phone for help, cue boyfriend... straight on google maps, post code, done head this way then that way... ok... we thought...
We headed in the once again, right direction towards Eccles this time it finally got us to the Trafford centre which is like a bloody city all by it's bloody self. What is with the copious amounts of roundabouts!! We stopped off for a drink and toilet break (needs must).
Sun was shining constantly, I had shorts on and my jacket sleeves pulled up to my elbow because it was quite hot, nice breeze though... remember these points :)
So after circling the Trafford Centre twice, we finally, got onto the right road and we were on our way. The right route took us onto a dirt track, it was nice, country road in the middle of no where fields on both sides, glorious weather, wind in our hair good day cycling on the home stretch. That is until the road ended with a wall of trees......
Hmmm....
We went right found a helpful farmer, who said, "Been here for around 20 years, think I've seen the main road once or twice." Ha ha ha... *nervous laughter* No he was actually very helpful. We were now definitely on the right route home. It took us back over the dual carriage way and onto home turf. There was an evil hill, which we had to walk up, this point we were both shattered...
It was like 4.30pm. This says a lot about our friendship that we're still friends after this fiasco lol.
Now is it me, or does the route home always seem the hardest and longest if you know the roads and you know how far you have to go? Rather than the end being on strange roads where you dont know the distance? For the charity ride I am definitely hoping this is true.
Anyway the final hill we cycled up, not 10 minutes from home, my friend was behind me at this point, I mean right behind me, I was flagging badly, my legs hated me, my body hated me and I think my bike hated me too. The last part of that hill if my friend wasn't behind me telling me 'No we're not finished yet, you're not done.' I think I would have just laid down in the road, there were actual tears getting up that hill I am not ashamed to admit, well maybe a tear... tears is a slight exaggeration.. ahem...
We got back, 5.15pm...
Cup of tea! He he he one of the best I've tasted :) We worked out on google maps we'd done approximately 50 miles *applause*
I got back home (in my car ;) ) and discovered I was a lobster! I have not been this badly sunburnt since I was 15 and fell asleep in my mum's back garden. I hadn't even realised until I stopped cycling. My arms and the tops and sides of my legs and my face. Two days later and I am still extremely sore and very burnt...borderline 3rd degree burns we're talking here, it hurts to walk, my face is the least damaged one small consolation. I took pictures, I will put some up when I download them lol. The pain is pretty much constant at this stage, thank god for aftersun gel. Sadly it's put me out of training for the week as my body is still in shock and sore... I cant emphasise how painful it is, enough lol...
But now all I feel, after being momentarily angry with the sun, is extremely silly. I should have known better with my complexion, I cant afford to forget my sun block :(
So I shall suffer on, heal as fast as I can, with only 3 and a bit weeks left...*bites nails*
Was a good route though... we did 50 miles!! How good is that?! For a newbie I mean :p
Fellow Cyclists
Right I really should post on here much more regularly now there's only just under 4 weeks left until the big day eeekkk!!!
I cycled to work 3 or 4 days last week, did karate on the ones that I didn't it kinda makes up for the slackin' honest. :)
On Tuesday, I got out a little later than planned, as my camel back had leaked all over my fridge and onto the floor... sigh... more expense that I'll need to rectify before the 12th of July. I finally got out, it was a nice sunny day...all was going nicely despite being quite tired and initially annoyed, I hit the bridge over the canal changed gear to get up the hill and then what the hell!!! My chain didn't just come off, it managed to come off and double loop itself, getting stuck in the central cog. I must have fiddled with it for like 10 minutes before a nice guy tried to help me. A fellow cyclist, he even went home to get his cog removal tool for me, I had fixed it by the time he got back but I stayed and thanked him for his help anyway, I was only 15 minutes late for work.
My point is, there seem to be 3 different categories of cyclist out there. The first group are hard core cyclists and seem to look at me with amusement and sometimes contempt lol, like how dare I attempt the cycling (I am assuming this is due to an increasing number of young people and such cycling in roads causing hazards and simply making drivers hate us more) and they give a knowing look as if to say 'you will never go as fast as me' *sly wink* as they speed off in their rainbow of lycra on their silent ninja bikes *jealous sigh*.
Group 2 are people like me, not exactly in it for social reasons and not completely dedicated occasionally my car is just sooo much more attractive and doesn't require motivation to drive it he he he, but we stil enjoy a good bike ride and try to get out every week at least once and we love a bit of a challenging route every now and then and can always spare a nod and smile for our fellow cyclists.
Then there's group 3 to be admired by all, they are the samaritans, they stop to help their fellow cyclist (thank you stranger :) ) they do it for fun at 8.30am on a Monday morning, for no reason other than it's fun and they always say good morning to pedestrians and cyclists alike. I like this group I hope to be so comfortable and confident in my cycling that one day I can be relaxed and just enjoy the day and the people I meet along the route....
I am not there yet...
So which group do you think you fit into?? :) I am definitely a group 2 although I do hold contempt for kids on bikes who just cycle whereever they like with no awareness of the dangers they can cause to themselves and others (rant alert) this is as both a driver and newbie cyclist... I mean who are they kidding?! Riding bikes stolen from their 8 year old brother/sister with their seats too low, wheels too small thinking they're the coolest thing on two wheels. Well let them race the lights or cut in front of a bus (I've seen them do it) wont be all that cool with their legs wrapped round a radiator grill. (Rant over)
On another note, I really need to invest in these funky tools every other cyclist has that seem to be able to remove all parts, solve world peace, save the climate and be a torch at the while they're at it lol. :)
Safe cycling!!!
I cycled to work 3 or 4 days last week, did karate on the ones that I didn't it kinda makes up for the slackin' honest. :)
On Tuesday, I got out a little later than planned, as my camel back had leaked all over my fridge and onto the floor... sigh... more expense that I'll need to rectify before the 12th of July. I finally got out, it was a nice sunny day...all was going nicely despite being quite tired and initially annoyed, I hit the bridge over the canal changed gear to get up the hill and then what the hell!!! My chain didn't just come off, it managed to come off and double loop itself, getting stuck in the central cog. I must have fiddled with it for like 10 minutes before a nice guy tried to help me. A fellow cyclist, he even went home to get his cog removal tool for me, I had fixed it by the time he got back but I stayed and thanked him for his help anyway, I was only 15 minutes late for work.
My point is, there seem to be 3 different categories of cyclist out there. The first group are hard core cyclists and seem to look at me with amusement and sometimes contempt lol, like how dare I attempt the cycling (I am assuming this is due to an increasing number of young people and such cycling in roads causing hazards and simply making drivers hate us more) and they give a knowing look as if to say 'you will never go as fast as me' *sly wink* as they speed off in their rainbow of lycra on their silent ninja bikes *jealous sigh*.
Group 2 are people like me, not exactly in it for social reasons and not completely dedicated occasionally my car is just sooo much more attractive and doesn't require motivation to drive it he he he, but we stil enjoy a good bike ride and try to get out every week at least once and we love a bit of a challenging route every now and then and can always spare a nod and smile for our fellow cyclists.
Then there's group 3 to be admired by all, they are the samaritans, they stop to help their fellow cyclist (thank you stranger :) ) they do it for fun at 8.30am on a Monday morning, for no reason other than it's fun and they always say good morning to pedestrians and cyclists alike. I like this group I hope to be so comfortable and confident in my cycling that one day I can be relaxed and just enjoy the day and the people I meet along the route....
I am not there yet...
So which group do you think you fit into?? :) I am definitely a group 2 although I do hold contempt for kids on bikes who just cycle whereever they like with no awareness of the dangers they can cause to themselves and others (rant alert) this is as both a driver and newbie cyclist... I mean who are they kidding?! Riding bikes stolen from their 8 year old brother/sister with their seats too low, wheels too small thinking they're the coolest thing on two wheels. Well let them race the lights or cut in front of a bus (I've seen them do it) wont be all that cool with their legs wrapped round a radiator grill. (Rant over)
On another note, I really need to invest in these funky tools every other cyclist has that seem to be able to remove all parts, solve world peace, save the climate and be a torch at the while they're at it lol. :)
Safe cycling!!!
Wednesday, 20 May 2009
Once more onto the breach
I got my cycling paperwork in the post last week!! First thing I thought when I opened it and saw 1991, my allocated number, is; great now I really am doing it. I think this every time I get on my bike. I reach a hill when I'm cycling to work and think, oh my god I have to do 60 miles!! What was I thinking?!
Anyway, I went to spain and threw all my training out of the window. I came back and I'd had quite an interesting time so I needed to relax to get over my holiday. (And not from the good kind). Monday was my first time back on the bike, literally.
I have been cycling to and from work now for 2 days, yesterday I got hailstoned on the way home, I quite enjoyed it in a twisted way, like the world was trying to tempt me to not carry on, but I won lol. Today is a day off, as I managed to take advantage of my opportunities and get a lift into work. Plus I did go to karate training yesterday so I am still doing my fair share of the exercise he he. I find it so much easier to bike it now my bike has been fixed. I just hope the small amount of mileage I am doing each day is helping me be fit enough for the big 60miles.
I had another friend on Saturday tell me that 60 miles would be easy for him. Now although I love him as my friend he is a pain in the back side. He drinks alcohol more than anyone I have ever met, eats bad food (yet tells me he doesn't eat unhealthily, all the while stuffing his face with a 16 inch spicy pizza), he thinks he can do anything physical to the extreme like biking until he collapses, climbing; he gets to go climbing and have it paid for him,:( (I love to climb and cant afford the indoor walls to train in :( ), and he classes all that as fitness, without any prior training or warm up. He also knows more about martial arts than me, despite me having done 3 different styles and I have taught and trained my way to black belt for the past 12 years! What is more annoying about this is; the fact that he probably can, as he is a little mental (a drummer) and is able to push himself to the point of collapse and be fine about it, despite not having a healthy lifestyle. He's a student, so it explains a lot, but as I have said it does get me down when they say they can do something, that seems like an insurmountable challenge to me and yet not be phased by it. He did initially start training with me and my friend as he was going to do the charity run. And despite saying it would be easy for him, he conveniently opted out of doing the bike ride as he is quite conveniently away at that time. It drives me mad though, is it just my competitive streak getting the best of me? Am I just being spiteful? I just dont think it's fair, I try really hard and he rubs it in my face that it's easy, says to me "I dont have a job yet you always seem to have less money than me". (I cant even explain I have bills and debts because of course so does he and they're obviously bigger and much worse than mine, how did I guess). He gets given a new bike, I have to pay to get my rubbish one fixed and he doesn't have to train and arrrggghhhhh, rant, scream shout... whimper.
You see even if I complete it, to people like him, it will never be proving a point as it was always easy for him. :( I know I have to complete it, to prove it to myself. Most of the time I feel the biggest obstacle I have to overcome is anger towards the short sightedness of other people, who demean everything I feel, I have and can or want to achieve.
I am a unconfident, paranoid, idiot really, with a desparate need to be the best, I really hope I can complete this bike ride.
Anyway, I went to spain and threw all my training out of the window. I came back and I'd had quite an interesting time so I needed to relax to get over my holiday. (And not from the good kind). Monday was my first time back on the bike, literally.
I have been cycling to and from work now for 2 days, yesterday I got hailstoned on the way home, I quite enjoyed it in a twisted way, like the world was trying to tempt me to not carry on, but I won lol. Today is a day off, as I managed to take advantage of my opportunities and get a lift into work. Plus I did go to karate training yesterday so I am still doing my fair share of the exercise he he. I find it so much easier to bike it now my bike has been fixed. I just hope the small amount of mileage I am doing each day is helping me be fit enough for the big 60miles.
I had another friend on Saturday tell me that 60 miles would be easy for him. Now although I love him as my friend he is a pain in the back side. He drinks alcohol more than anyone I have ever met, eats bad food (yet tells me he doesn't eat unhealthily, all the while stuffing his face with a 16 inch spicy pizza), he thinks he can do anything physical to the extreme like biking until he collapses, climbing; he gets to go climbing and have it paid for him,:( (I love to climb and cant afford the indoor walls to train in :( ), and he classes all that as fitness, without any prior training or warm up. He also knows more about martial arts than me, despite me having done 3 different styles and I have taught and trained my way to black belt for the past 12 years! What is more annoying about this is; the fact that he probably can, as he is a little mental (a drummer) and is able to push himself to the point of collapse and be fine about it, despite not having a healthy lifestyle. He's a student, so it explains a lot, but as I have said it does get me down when they say they can do something, that seems like an insurmountable challenge to me and yet not be phased by it. He did initially start training with me and my friend as he was going to do the charity run. And despite saying it would be easy for him, he conveniently opted out of doing the bike ride as he is quite conveniently away at that time. It drives me mad though, is it just my competitive streak getting the best of me? Am I just being spiteful? I just dont think it's fair, I try really hard and he rubs it in my face that it's easy, says to me "I dont have a job yet you always seem to have less money than me". (I cant even explain I have bills and debts because of course so does he and they're obviously bigger and much worse than mine, how did I guess). He gets given a new bike, I have to pay to get my rubbish one fixed and he doesn't have to train and arrrggghhhhh, rant, scream shout... whimper.
You see even if I complete it, to people like him, it will never be proving a point as it was always easy for him. :( I know I have to complete it, to prove it to myself. Most of the time I feel the biggest obstacle I have to overcome is anger towards the short sightedness of other people, who demean everything I feel, I have and can or want to achieve.
I am a unconfident, paranoid, idiot really, with a desparate need to be the best, I really hope I can complete this bike ride.
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Tuesday, 28 April 2009
Really Tired!!
Ok my first training session since my bike has been fixed was on Sunday 26th April. It was a lovely day. We cycled from Haigh hall along the canal paths, got a little lost at chorley and joined the A6 all the way up to Bamber bridge cutting through Cuerden Valley Park, which is really big and gorgeous, you should visit!
We had stopped briefly before reaching bamber bridge to eat lunch it took us 2 ish hours in total to get there. (We were going the long way). Now I was perfectly fine right up until I reached Bamber bridge train station and started to head back down the A49. I was absolutely knackered. Now it was either being unfit because I hadn't cycled in a couple of weeks, the hangover I started out with from my cousins 18th birthday party, including lack of sleep or dehydration. My opinion is a mixture of all of the above. I was ok to start off with, but every time we hit a hill my legs simply didn't want to play anymore, my back hurt, my eyes were welded open through sheer stubbornness, I think if I had just once stopped and lay down on the pavement I would have gone to sleep. Everyone can learn from this, dont go biking on a hangover and lack of sleep lol. :)
Despite the exhaustion, I thoroughly enjoyed the route, the roads had great cycle lanes on them (mainly the A49), some nice scenery, (I shall attempt to post some pictures, it hasn't been playing nice though). When I finally reached the "You are now entering Wigan sign" I think I could have cheered, ha ha ha. I was elated this gave me a second wind, and I got home feeling, quite achey but pretty satisfied. I worked out it was roughly 35 miles we did, at about an average speed of 7mph (it took us best part of 5 hours ha ha ha!!!).
Now this is rubbish you say, but we did stop frequently, and get lost so we're not out for the count yet, we'll do the 60 miles. It's all booked now anyway so there is no turning back. :)
One thing the bike ride did inspire me with is a good pub lunch on a Sunday, I passed so many pubs that smelled of wonderful food, that I went home and persuaded my boyfriend to go out for tea :) this I think is a well deserved treat for a long day's biking.
We had stopped briefly before reaching bamber bridge to eat lunch it took us 2 ish hours in total to get there. (We were going the long way). Now I was perfectly fine right up until I reached Bamber bridge train station and started to head back down the A49. I was absolutely knackered. Now it was either being unfit because I hadn't cycled in a couple of weeks, the hangover I started out with from my cousins 18th birthday party, including lack of sleep or dehydration. My opinion is a mixture of all of the above. I was ok to start off with, but every time we hit a hill my legs simply didn't want to play anymore, my back hurt, my eyes were welded open through sheer stubbornness, I think if I had just once stopped and lay down on the pavement I would have gone to sleep. Everyone can learn from this, dont go biking on a hangover and lack of sleep lol. :)
Despite the exhaustion, I thoroughly enjoyed the route, the roads had great cycle lanes on them (mainly the A49), some nice scenery, (I shall attempt to post some pictures, it hasn't been playing nice though). When I finally reached the "You are now entering Wigan sign" I think I could have cheered, ha ha ha. I was elated this gave me a second wind, and I got home feeling, quite achey but pretty satisfied. I worked out it was roughly 35 miles we did, at about an average speed of 7mph (it took us best part of 5 hours ha ha ha!!!).
Now this is rubbish you say, but we did stop frequently, and get lost so we're not out for the count yet, we'll do the 60 miles. It's all booked now anyway so there is no turning back. :)
One thing the bike ride did inspire me with is a good pub lunch on a Sunday, I passed so many pubs that smelled of wonderful food, that I went home and persuaded my boyfriend to go out for tea :) this I think is a well deserved treat for a long day's biking.
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