First Fully Loaded Ride

Well the sun was shining and the roads were dry so I thought I'd take the opportunity to get out on the expedition bike fully loaded. Only did 20 miles but chose a hilly route and combined with a strong wind it was a good work out.

Positives

• Bike handled well with it's new racks and panniers
• New ergonomic grips felt comfortable.
• New cycling shoes and pedals worked well.
• My trusty old Brookes leather saddle was as comfortable as ever.
• I felt good.

Negatives

• Not sure about the rolling resistance of the Schwalbe Expedition Tyres. Might have to switch to standard Marathons and increase the puncture risk.
• It's a lot harder with a fully loaded bike!
• None of ny scheduled coffee stops en route were in residence.

And here's the proof, with a hazy view of the Wharfe valley in the background.

A trip to the world famous Dunnies cafe in Otley

As well as 3 more training rides adding another 116 miles to the total. Dunnies can best be described as the ultimate greasy spoon with everything on the menu under £2.50 and guaranteed to increase cholesterel levels with every mouthful. Also described by one of my fellow riders as good training for America as most of the clientele appear to be more scary than grizzly bears. Apparently Sir Jimmy Saville OBE is a regular diner!!!

Training Log

Rides                   14
Miles                   595
Average               43

A Test of my Resolve

After missing the Sunday ride with Wheel Easy due to the very pleasant diversion of my daughters 40th birthday party in Norwich 'Chez Sa Mere' it really was necessary to get out on the bike today. Looking out of the window once again it was misty, cold, and wet with sleet and snow forecast.
Nevertheless after having a fine breakfast of porridge, blueberries and bananas I decided to tackle the 45 mile circuit to Tadcaster via Kirby Overblow, Sicklinghall, Collingham and Bramham returning via Wighill, Wetherby and Spofforth. Cycling alone in these conditions was as expected absolutely miserable and after only a couple of miles I was already thinking of possible shortcuts.
However I pressed on and met up with 'Flat Roof' Kevin for lunch in Tadcaster. He had also been on parental duty at the weekend visiting his daughter Hannah who has just given birth to a beautiful baby daughter Emelia.
Riding home after lunch the weather continued to deteriorate but charged up with a bacon sandwich and far too many cups of tea I managed to get home not feeling too bad at all. In fact I even had the energy to clean the bike up ready for wednesday's ride with the EG's. They have their standards you know!

Training Log

Rides                   11
Miles                   479
Average               43.5

Well I did plan to go out for a Training Ride!

But looking at the view out of my window this morning, perhaps not!

And my cycling companions across the USA are

Sally Fenton, USA, Tour Leader

Cathy Blondeau, Canada, 61
Sjef Streng, Netherlands, 58
Don Youngblood, USA, 69
Dexter Morse, USA, 64
Renate Olaisen, Norway, 36
Jason Pennington, England, 42
Hubert Bol, Netherlands
Jill Perakis, USA
Greg Whitehead, USA
Dave Springett, England
Don Youngblood, USA, 69
Annika Gross, Norway
Ellen Hadley, Canada, 32

And of course myself sitting somewhere roughly in the middle of the age range, pleasantly surprised that I'm not the oldest member in the team !

At last some sunshine!

But not for long with more snow forecast in Yorkshire this weekend. Since the last post I have now clocked up 3 more rides totalling 134 miles and have now upgraded to the medium+ touring pace ride with the Sunday group. The pace was noticeably quicker but I managed to hang on in there. Wednesday's ride of 48 miles with the EG's in the sunshine up into the Yorkshire Dales was absolutely glorious, and a reminder of why I have moved back to God's own county.
I must be getting fitter as the hills are definitely starting to flatten out!

Training Log

Rides                   10
Miles                   434
Average               43.4

Hills, Headwinds, Potholes and Rain

Would best describe today's training ride with Wheel Easy. 40 gruelling miles to Fountains Abbey and back compensated for by a very nice lunch stop in the Visitor Centre and a hot bath at the end of it. It must be doing me some good!