Greenhouse Up

Took about six hours in total to get the greenhouse up, just need to get some gravel for half the floor space and get the staging erected.

Base in and level

Roof going in

Frame completed

All the glass is in now, can get planning for early greenhouse sowings now :) I shall prepare a seed bed adjacent to the greenhouse.

First Allotment Bonfire

Got some rubbish burnt today as well as digging over about 1/3 of another large bed. Followed the site rules and checked Mick's flag was blowing towards the reck (away from the houses) and got the fire lit, I knew it would be smokey as everything is so wet at the moment.

1st Bonfire on plot 71

Almost 1/2 way there I reckon!

Greenhouse

Finally got all my mashing gear down to the 'lot' only to find out that I have ran out of gas for the stove >:( , after a luke warm cup of what was supposed to be tea I cleared and levelled the site for my newly acquired greenhouse.


Not very clear on this picture but the greenhouse will be sited to the right of the shot in front of the heap of brambles, this is next to the compost heap and near the tap adjacent to my plot.

I was also pleasantly pleased to find out that the association that runs our site have very kindly installed a boot washer next to my plot.....

Wellie washer

Timber !!!

Not on the allotment this time but a gardening task was undertaken at my sisters yesterday, just a little job.....







Took 3 of us about 2 hours to get the thing down then about another 2 hours to tidy up afterwards, better than paying the £100 the gypo's wanted to hack it down.

Greenhouse en route

Last night I won a greenhouse, yes a random thing to win I know but completely useful :) Now I have to decide where to put the thing and arrange collection. Looking forward to early spring now and getting some crops of to head start under glass :)

Another bed down

Finished digging out the herb/flower bed in front of the shed today, only had a light session today, it was my fourth visit this week after all. Three more large beds to plus the rest of the strip at the back to go, then I can start on the shed, a few repairs need doing, guttering putting on the other side and a coat of creosote.

Progress being made

Managed to get two afternoons in so far this week, got all my fruit canes in place now, gathered quite a few up that were scattered around the plot and a few from home that have been in pots all summer as I had nowhere for them to go.

Soft fruit canes

Shed end of the plot

The smaller bed at the front of the picture above is going to be split between herbs and flowers to be cut and brought and home for cooking/decoration.

View from the end of the plot

Not a lot has changed this end of the plot, the keener eye may notice that an apple tree and a pear tree have gone in, this end of the plot is prone to water logging, I don't know how bad yet, we'll see. This part of the plot will be home to the two trees and a seating area to look back at the plot facing the sun after a hard days graft, and the car park.

They are a friendly bunch up at 'the nook', a few plot holders have been and introduced themselves and commented on how well I'm doing, not sure if they are just trying to keep my enthusiasm up ;)

Hopefully the weather stays kind tomorrow and I can get another few hours in.

Onions and Garlic In!!!

Got my first bed dug over and some onion sets and Garlic in the ground today. Little bit late I know but it was important to me to at least get something in over winter.

Soils getting a little heavy to turn now so the going will be slow, but I'm determined to get there.

First bed!

The work begins

Had 2 or 3 hours on plot 71 today, cleared the grass from the compost heap and dug over 3/4 of a section and straightened a few panels on the shed.

Here we go!

After 13 months on the waiting list I got the call saying "come down to look at a plot" The answer was already yes but off I went last Saturday morning 21st November 2009 to have a look. To my delight plot 71 had a shed and was not too overgrown, well I've seen a lot worse.

I gladly accepted the keys for the gate and was told pay nothing until March next year, have a few months to see if it's for you, rent free.

Sunday 11th October *Road*

A chilly morning greeted Ian and I for the ride, and with the dark mornings my new lights were required for the 1st hour of the ride. It stayed dry but overcast for a very nice run out. These 50 miler's dont pose a threat for me now, but with winter coming quickly I don't see much improvement on the distance covered for now. I shall be mixing things up though with some shorter hillier rides as well as the occasional longer run, I also see the MTB getting more use over winter.

We covered the hillier version of my usual route out to Repton via Newton Solney, Ian commented that this was not far off some of the climbs on the Beeston CC hills course, so at least now I feel a bit more optimistic about tackling that one.

View the route on BikeHike

Distance = 50.2 miles
Time = 3 hrs 25 mins
Ave Speed = 14.7 mph
Top Speed = 36.3 mph
Hillometer = 33.6 ft/mile
Weather = Overcast 12c

MTB = 602.6
Road Bike = 591.8
Total Mileage = 1194.4

Heart Rate High = 185
Heart Rate Ave = 131
Calorie's Burnt = 3763.0
Fat Burn = 427.03

Kingston 10 TT

My first crack at the 10mile TT course that my club use during the summer months. I hadn't a clue what time to expect so ever the optimist I went for a target of 30 mins.

Set of well but within the first mile was beginning to think 'Am I overcooking this already' I suppose the doubts always set in until one gets used to courses and how they go on them. At the halfway point I felt OK but a little behind schedule. Second half was a grind at points but more downhill than on the way out.

I hit the finish line in a time of 30m 22s, a little behind my optimistic goal, on reflection considering my fitness level and lack of experience I'm happy with that and it's a solid base for me to build on.

Monday 5th October *Road*

Decided to have a crack at the 10 mile TT that Beeston CC joins VC Long Eaton in on Tuesday evenings during the summer months. Work means I can't get out to ride of an evening very often so I'll have to do most of my attempts at it on my own.

Stats for the total ride including ground covered on the TT course

Distance = 29.3 miles
Time = 1 hrs 40 mins
Ave Speed = 17.7 mph
Top Speed = 30.5 mph
Hillometer = 27.9 ft/mile
Weather = Sunny 12c

MTB = 602.6
Road Bike = 541.3
Total Mileage = 1143.9

Route to Kingston

Kingston 10 TT Course

Sunday 4th October *Road*

Not been out this week due the fact I've been trying to get to the bottom of my egg shortage from the chickens in the garden, but that's a different story.....

Took a new(ish) member out for a spin this morning, Steve was good company and made good pace on his hybrid bike. Took the usual run out through Kegworth, Diseworth on to Melbourne, Ticknal, Repton and back home.

Look forward to seeing Steve out again soon on his spanking new road bike :-)

Distance = 43.3 miles
Time = 3 hrs 30 mins
Ave Speed = 12.4 mph
Top Speed = 29.9 mph
Hillometer = 25.6 ft/mile (Approx)
Weather = Sunny 6 - 10c

MTB = 602.6
Road Bike = 512.0
Total Mileage = 1114.6

Heart Rate High = 189
Heart Rate Ave = 107
Calorie's Burnt = 1541.0
Fat Burn = 60.14

Friday 25th Sept *Road*

What was meant to be a steady bimble for a couple of hours after recovering from whatever it was that knocked me for six earlier in the week turned into a good run, usual direction out to Ticknall but took a left towards Bretby up a couple of sharp hills before heading to Newton Solney and Repton, instead of heading to Willington I took the back road round Foremark and into Ingleby towards Swarkestone.

Lovely run and nice to break the usual rides up with a few new roads thrown in, make's it a little bit hillier too.

View Route on Bikely

Distance = 48.8 miles
Time = 3 hrs 6 mins
Ave Speed = 15.7 mph
Top Speed = 37.0 mph
Hillometer = 33.2 ft/mile
Weather = Overcast, 16c

MTB = 602.6
Road Bike = 468.7
Total Mileage = 1071.3

Heart Rate High = 191
Heart Rate Ave = 143
Calorie's Burnt = 3474.1
Fat Burn = 445.12

Grounded & Frustrated

Illness has grounded me this week, picked up some kind of sickness bug/infection, was sick as a dog Monday night and since yesterday I feel as though a bus has ran me over, full of aches and pains right now....

I attempted to true a slightly 'out' wheel on Monday, it ended in huge failure and a trip to TS Bikes to fix it, put the wheel back in this afternoon, uprighted the bike and applied the rear brakes and BANG the whole unit let go flying all over my shed, an hour later it was all back together.

I'm not overly pleased with the build quality of my brand new Trek road bike, firstly the BB has to be repalced after 2 attempts to repair it, all within 250 miles use, then the rear wheel develops a wobble within 300 miles without visiting any pot holes, and now the brakes explode into pieces..... I expected better from Trek to be honest.

Thursday 17th September 09 *Road*

Took a hillier route today including that bugger Heath Lane that caught me with my pants down last week, and guess what....................... I did it, chuffed to bits, my confidence with the hills is beginning to grow a little now. 41 miles with not a lot of flat to break it up, it was up and down most of the way, 40 ft per mile on the Hillometer is a new high for me although still a long way to go.

Also racked up my 1000th mile since been back on the bike today which was pleasing, just hope that it is the first of many 'K's' I'll complete.

The ride itself was out to Kegworth on the usual route, Diseworth towards Peggs Green before dropping into Worthington and Breedon, from Breedon to Calke past the resoviour and up Heath Lane, onto Ticknall, Melbourne, Kings Newton, round the back of the race track into Castle Donington and home. Heading in that direction I'm not going to get much hillier than 40 *fpm, heading into Leicestershire doesn't offer much either, nor does Nottinghamshire, so a few trips Derbyshire way beckon for some hills.

'Breedon from Worthington'

View route on Bikely

Distance = 40.9 miles
Time = 2 hrs 39 mins
Ave Speed = 15.4 mph
Top Speed = 37.5 mph
Hillometer = 40.1 ft/mile
Weather = Overcast, 13c

MTB = 602.6
Road Bike = 419.9
Total Mileage = 1022.5

Heart Rate High = 188
Heart Rate Ave = 139
Calorie's Burnt = 2761.9
Fat Burn = 346.40

Stage 5 ToB Stoke on Trent

Visited the start of stage 5 of the Tour of Britain in Stoke today, saw the lads off and did a bit of plugging for Bike Pure, then I shot off to Gun Hill to see Dan Fleeman leading the break away group over the cat 1 climb. Had a great time, here's a few photos of the day.

Mon 14th September 09 *Road*

50 Miles - Sub 3hrs

Two objective's completed today, first time over 50 miles proper on a ride and my main target was to do the 50 in under 3 hours, I know I'm capable of achieving 40+ miles at an average of around 16.7 mph, just had to do 50 miles at that pace.

Did I do it? ............ Only just is the answer, 2hrs 58 mins and 58 seconds to 50 miles, to say I was pleased would be an understatement. I kept good pace and at the hourly check points I was bang on target 1 hr = 16.6 miles, 2 hrs = 33.4 miles and 3 hrs = 50.3 miles. It's a shame that the last two miles brought my ave speed just below the 50 miles/3 hr pace, but I was pooped.

Scene of a 'natural break' (behind the bus stop not in it)

The ride itself was a variation of a familier route to get the 50 in of the usual loop I took the Kegworth , Belton diversion and at the far end of the ride a loop of Hilton and Etwall was added. Lumpy for the first half of the ride and a nasty 15mph headwind for the last 15 miles made the end goal even more satisfying. I can now use this ride as a benchmark against my performance over this distance.

View Route on Bikely

Distance = 52.1 miles
Time = 3 hrs 8 mins
Ave Speed = 16.6 mph
Top Speed = 35.1 mph
Hillometer = 26.8 ft/mile
Weather = Overcast, 16c

MTB = 602.6
Road Bike = 379.0
Total Mileage = 981.6

Heart Rate High = 180
Heart Rate Ave = 145
Calorie's Burnt = 3588.7
Fat Burn = 459.81

P.S. I should add that Robinsons Hill was tackled and conquered today with relative ease :-)

Bike Pure

As you may have noticed I'm a keen supporter of Bike Pure and what they stand for. I am proud to be able to help them out next week, I will be at the start of stage 5 of the Tour of Britain at the Britania Stadium in Stoke on Trent next Wednesday to get in amongst the pro riders and team staff to distribute Bike Pure wrist bands and leaflets. I shall be equiped with my camera so hope to get some good pics for Bike Pure.

For those who have not heard of Bike Pure have a lookie here

Thursday 10th September 09 *Road*

Made the route up as I went along up to Ticknal, which was great in one respect, jus taking a left or right whenever it takes your fancy, but on the bad side it may be better to prepare so you don't get lumbered with a killer hill, which I did. The route didn't take me via Robinsons Hill at Melbourne but it put me up 'Heath Lane' a long drag out of Calke towards Ashby de la Zouch.

Ratcliffe Lane



View from top of Heath Lane

Prior to that it was a nice ride out through Kegworth, Diseworth, round the back of Worthington and Newbold throught the Staunton Harold estate. And following my Heath Lane mishap the ride was just as pleasent onto Ticknal, Repton, Willington and the usual run home.

Willington Power Station in the distance

I'm going to have to have a crack at the Beeston CC Hill's route to begin to conquer my hill demons.......

View Route on Bikely

Distance = 49.1 miles
Time = 3 hrs 5 mins
Ave Speed = 15.7 mph
Top Speed = 35.9 mph
Hillometer = 30.8 ft/mile
Weather = Sunny, 18c

MTB = 602.6
Road Bike = 326.9
Total Milage = 929.5

Heart Rate High = 190
Heart Rate Ave = 141
Calorie's Burnt = 3386.0
Fat Burn = 427.83

Monday 7th September *Road*

40 miles out to Willington and back, still feeling the effects of the holiday bulge and not back to the level I was prior. Felt like a good run though even though I navigated round Robinson's hill at Melbourne this time.

View route on Bikely


Distance = 40.1 miles
Time = 2 hrs 30 mins
Ave Speed = 16.1 mph
Top Speed = 34.8 mph
Hillometer = 28.2 ft/mile
Weather = Overcast, Sunny Spells, 18c

MTB = 602.6
Road Bike = 277.8
Total Milage = 880.4

Heart Rate High = 194
Heart Rate Ave = 154
Calorie's Burnt = 3072.6
Fat Burn = 395.46

Out again on Weds this week for a similar ride, promise to tackle Robinson's this time as well, I've put a shout on the Beeston CC blog, hope some of the members can join me.

Waterside Bimble *MTB

3 1/2 weeks, plenty of beer and too much food since I last rode out and it felt like it too.

Followed the canal from Beeston Marina into the centre of Nottingham, then down along London Road to Trent Bidge, under some thing called the "Trent End" shortly after that I saw the local netball team training, not sure which one it was but I know it wasn't the County team...... a lap of the regatta at Holme Pierrepont and back along the Trent to Attenborough and home, the ride home from HP was a struggle into a strong headwind but proved to be a good work out.

View route on Bikely

Distance = 23.1 miles
Time = 1 hrs 49 mins
Ave Speed = 12.6 mph
Top Speed = 20.1 mph
Hillometer = 1.1 ft/mile
Weather = Overcast, 12c

MTB = 602.6
Road Bike = 237.5
Total Milage = 840.1

Heart Rate High = 170
Heart Rate Ave = 145
Calorie's Burnt = 2072.1
Fat Burn = 266.61


My road bike is finally ready for collection after having the BB replaced under warranty so I'm looking forward to getting out with the Beeston CC crew very soon.

Beer Belly & No Bike

Well, had a great holiday, ate well and drank well.......... weather was very kind and no I resisited, I did not get on a bike, to be honest it was too hot, I don't fancy riding with 40c+ beating down on me.

Any how I'm back and so is the beer belly I've been working at getting rid of, so that little job has to start again, the sit up and press up's programmes will help with that.

What's really bugging me though is that Evans cycles would appear not to carry Bottom Brackets in stock?? They have had my 6 week old bike back in twice because of the BB, at present they have had the bike for two weeks to replace it, but they dont have the part in stock and are awaiting it's arrival, I'm getting quite impatient right now, as Freddie Mercury once said, I want to ride my bicycle.

Viking Challenge

I'm going to have a go at the 50k event at the Viking Challenge this October

Viking Challenge Website

Hope it's not quite as wet as last years event!!! 31 miles off road sounds achievable but I'd better get plenty of prep in for it just incase, this ride has a reputation.........

Road

Another cracking ride with Beeston CC and the weather was stunning too, doesn't get better than this.

Here's the gang at full strength after the last pick up at the Plank & Leggit

L to R - Paul, Liam, Charlie, John, Tony, Paul, Ian, Simon. Sarah behind the ‘lens’.

Route took through south Nottinghamshire to Kinoulton and back through Cotgrave, Bunny and Gotham.

See route here


Distance = 48.0 miles
Time = 3 hrs 12 mins
Ave Speed = 15.5 mph
Top Speed = 39.3 mph
Hillometer = 13.1 ft/mile
Weather = Sunny, 11-22c

MTB = 579.5
Road Bike = 237.5
Total Milage = 817

Heart Rate High = 180
Heart Rate Ave = 137
Calorie's Burnt = 3320.7
Fat Burn = 397.86

Bottom Bracket working loose again, phone call to Evan's in the morning......

Them Hills

This is courtesy of a Beeston CC club member (mykew)

Hilliness is best measured by some system that describes the climb in relation to the distance, this is easily done by dividing total climb by total distance. I prefer[1] imperial so go for ft/mile, but obviously conversion is simple. To give some idea in lieu of experience the following is a ready reckoner.
0 ft/mile – Only if you can walk on water.
10 ft/mile – What most would call a pan flat route, eg somewhere out in Lincolnshire.
30 ft/mile – Mild undulation, eg somewhere in Notts.
50 ft/mile – Mild hills, a trip out to the Peak where you are not going up every hill you spy
60 ft/mile – Stoke ‘Tour of Britain’ Sportive
70 ft/mile – A fairly concerted effort to make the route hilly, a visit to Crich and Winster woukd probably achieve this
90 ft/mile – A mad though uncontrived trip zigzagging up either side of the Derwent valley taking in every hard climb.
110 ft/mile – The limit of what I can currently roll out in the Peak from home (I can’t make it hillier!). Contrived and ignoring any prolonged flat. Home legs are as per ‘hilly night’ And Crich is visited 2 or 3 times in contrived and masochistic loops. You are either going up or down, the route to supreme fitness
120 ft/mile – Autumn Epic
[1] Audax folk are continental and go for metres/km

So I thought it may be handy to add the 'Hillometer' rating to my blog as well so I can measure how much hill work I am getting and factor this weak point into my training.

First Ride out with Beeston CC (Sunday 2nd Aug 09) - *Road*

And what a pleasure it was, thanks chaps, you'll be seeing me again, a nice pace was set, maybe a tad slow for me (I doubt I'd have kept up with the boys that went ahead) and good company made it a great ride.

Had a chat with an existing committee member who was explaining how the club had began and why the committee members now feel the need to step down as the next phase of the new club clicks in, as I said to Richard there and then I'm more than happy to help them out, whether it be helping with the web stuff or just organising the odd ride here and there, maybe even a committee position, who knows, I'm just happy to help if I can.

Anyway on to the ride itself, they picked me up on-route 2.5 miles into the ride and we headed out to Kegworth via Long Eaton and Sawley, onto Hathern, Zouch, Cotes, Six Hills and back through Wysall, East Leake, West Leak onto Kegworth and home again. If I'm honest I was hoping for a few more hills but then again it was advertised as a flat(ish) ride so can't complain, I'd have struggled anyway ;)

See route on My Bikely

Distance = 43.9 miles
Time = 2 hrs 55 mins
Ave Speed = 15.1 mph
Top Speed = 34.3 mph
Weather = Sunny, 13-18c

MTB = 579.5
Road Bike = 189.5
Total Milage = 769

Heart Rate High = 205
Heart Rate Ave = 128
Calorie's Burnt = 2579.3
Fat Burn = 282.12

Signed up to Beeston CC

Well I have taken the plunge and signed up to Beeston CC, a new(ish) club that seem the friendliest bunch locally. They have a flexible approach to arranging rides and an interactive website that makes arranging such things much easier.

Must say I'm looking forward to getting out with the Beeston crew and already have a 50 mile ride pencilled in for Sunday morning nice and early @7am :)

Sunday 26th July 09 - MTB

Up the Nutbrook Trail to Shipley Park, looped round the old American adventure site and back into Shipley Park, took the trail right to the top of Shipley Hill woods, had a quick bimble around the woods before heading off for a loop of Mapperly Reservior and then a back track through the woods back onto the Nutbrook trail to Long Eaton and onto Trent Lock, then home via Atenborough Nature reserve.

It's been a while since the MTB has been rolled out of the shed so I was looking forward to some off road action. Had a good knock around Shipley Park an old favourite of mine, up a couple of sharp hills on the estate before heading for Trent Lock and back home. Couple of links below with info of area's of todays route....

Nutbrook Trail

Shipley Park

And as usual.....

View the route on Bikely

The view from the top of Shipley Hill

Distance = 31.9 miles
Time = 2 hrs 35 mins
Ave Speed = 12.2 mph
Top Speed = 25.4 mph
Weather = Showers, 17c

MTB = 579.5
Road Bike = 145.6
Total Milage = 725.1

Heart Rate High = 184
Heart Rate Ave = 146
Calorie's Burnt = 3237.0
Fat Burn = 389.79

Now that I have a heart rate monitor I will publish stats from this when used.

c2c

Well the ever changing plans for the c2c have been set......

It will be done over 2 days late May/early June next year on the road bike (I will get round to the off road version and the Old Coach Road another time).

Aiming to get to Alston (75miles) on the first day, leaving about 60 to do on the second day.

Just need to go and practice on some hills now............

Mon 20th July

Road

Circular route taking in Long Eaton - Sawley - Castle Donington - Melbourne - Ticknall - Milton - Repton - Willington - Hilton - Etwall - Willington - Barrow upon Trent - Weston on Trent - Aston on Trent - Shardlow - Sawley - Long Eaton.

Distance = 47.9 miles
Time = 2 hrs 52 mins
Ave Speed = 16.9 mph
Top Speed = 33.0 mph
Weather = Sunny Spells, dry, 19c

MTB = 547.6
Road Bike = 145.6
Total Milage = 693.3

Great ride, bit hilly in the first 18 miles but then pretty flat, and with the wind behind for the last 18 miles the ride home was in TT mode, streched the legs well.

The pace today would have just squeezed 50 miles in 3 hours, considering a little over a month ago I was hoping to do that distance in 4.5 hours, and managed it in 3, 3/4 hrs I'm quite impressed with my progress.

As ever view my ride on Bikely

Road

Circular route taking in Long Eaton - Sawley - Kegworth - Long Whatton - Belton - Tonge - Breedon on the Hill - Wilson - Melbourne - Swarkstone Bridge - Weston on Trent - Aston on Trent - Shardlow - Sawley - Long Eaton.

Distance = 37.0 miles
Time = 2 hrs 20 mins
Ave Speed = 15.9 mph
Top Speed = 35.8 mph
Weather = Overcast, dry, 20c

MTB = 547.6
Road Bike = 97.7
Total Milage = 645.4

Steady knock round a slightly more extended version of last weeks extended route.

Felt tired after the hills in the first half of the ride, but recovered as I went along after 22 miles.

School hols start next week so I'll be limited to weekend riding when I can so the mileage wont be increasing rapidly any time soon :(

View route on Bikely

8th July 2009

Road

Circular route taking in Long Eaton - Sawley - Lockington - Hemington - Castle Donington - Breedon on the Hill - Wilson - Melbourne - Swarkstone Bridge - Weston on Trent - Aston on Trent - Shardlow - Sawley - Long Eaton.

Distance = 31.8 miles
Time = 1 hrs 55 mins
Ave Speed = 16.6 mph
Top Speed = 31.5 mph
Weather = Overcast, dry, 18c

MTB = 547.6
Road Bike = 60.8
Total Milage = 608.4

Steady knock round a slightly extended version of last weeks route.

Would like to get out more but been quite busy past few weeks and now le tour is on so I'm exercising in front of the telly ever afternoon, should help me shed a little weight.

First outing on the road bike

Circular route taking in Long Eaton - Sawley - Lockington - Hemington - Castle Donington - Kings Newton - Swarkstone Bridge - Weston on Trent - Aston on Trent - Shardlow - Sawley - Long Eaton.

Distance = 29.0 miles
Time = 1 hrs 50 mins
Ave Speed = 16.1 mph
Top Speed = 37.5 mph
Weather = Sunny Spells, dry, 30c

MTB = 547.6
Road Bike = 29.0
Total Milage = 576.6


How much more efficiant is riding a road bike!!! Hills were a bit more of a shock with different gearing but much easier to 'power' up due to the weight of the bike I suppose, can't wait to get out again, loved it :)

View route minus a couple of diversions on Bikely

Roadie Pt2 - I am a roadie

Those keen eyes may have noticed I have added a road section to my total mileage bit.

I picked up a Trek 1.2 T last Thursday after having it set up for me by Evan's cycles and a short test ride I was keen to take delivery :)

Not been out on it yet as I had an invite for some off road fun yesterday, looking forward to getting out on it this week though if my wrist is not too bad bad after yesterdays spill.

Burton Bimble 29th June 09

Had a ride out with my mate Aidey (Ratfighter) round Bretby Ticknall Melbourne area's, had a spill on a downhill section and managed to expose some flesh on my lower leg and I have a lovely bruise on my hip, also managed to damage my wrist in the fall, hopefully its just a sprain, didn't spoil the ride though.

Today did make me realise how few hills there are around my place and my usual rides, whilst I made them all (slowly admitidly) I certainly need to do some hill work.

Very enjoyable ride out and I will deffo be hooking up with Ratty again if he'll have me.

Distance = 26.7 miles
Time = 2 hrs 50 mins
Ave Speed = 9.4 mph
Top Speed = 34.8 mph
Weather = Overcast- Sunny Spells, dry, 28c

MTB = 547.6
Road Bike = 0
Total Milage = 547.6

Great Nottinghamshire Bike Ride - Sun 21st June 09

Distance = 51.5 miles
Time = 3 hrs 45 mins
Ave Speed = 13.7 mph
Top Speed = 23.3 mph
Weather = Overcast- Sunny Spells, dry, 19c

Total Mileage = 520.9

Well that went very well indeed, I'd planned to do the ride inside 4 1/2 hrs at an ave of 11.1mph minimum, ended up well inside that.

At 19 miles I heard an ominous 'twang' from the back wheel, looked down and yes I'd lost a spoke, the wheel had a slight wobble. At 21 miles just as I entered Newark 'twang' another one the wheel was now all over the place. I took my feet out of the cleats incase I needed to make a quick exit from the bike and rode the last 29 miles without the cleats making the going a little harder.

I was worried the back wheel would not see the ride out but carried on as I'd not come this far to give up!!!

At 31 miles I had a breather, drink and a few Jelly Babies and off I went again, at around 35 miles I got my second wind and started pushing for home, at the 40 mile mark I passed a psychological barrier and felt I was nearly there, the last 2 miles I just pushed harder and harder to the line, 3 hours and 45 minutes after passing the start/finish line I was there again and this time feeling rather pleased with myself.

This has given me a taste for organised events and the challenge that comes with taking part, I think this is the first of many for me.



Start/Finish Line for the GNBR 2009

Roadie

Ok those who know me will roll about in laughter at this because of my known dislike of roadies........ but I Liam Hobbs am going to get a road bike!

There I've said it, I can partly imagine what the intro at an AA meeting would be like now lol

The reason for this is that after next years c2c I would love to tackle End2End and yes it would be far more sensible to tackle this on a road bike.

So I'm on the hunt for a decent road machine

Attenborough - Sawley - Lockington - Hemmington - Castle Donington - Shardlow - Sawley - Attenborough - Home

Distance = 23.6 miles
Time = 1 hrs 58 mins
Ave Speed = 11.9 mph
Top Speed = 31.4 mph
Weather = Sunny, dry, 21c

Total Mileage = 469.4

Felt great today, unfortunately didn't manage to get a 50 miler in before the big ride, but I'm feeling good, might just have an hour on friday to keep things loose but other than that I want to rest up before the big ride.

Heanor & Back, 'Route 67'

Distance = 22.2 miles
Time = 1 hrs 52 mins
Ave Speed = 11.9 mph
Top Speed = 28.5 mph
Weather = Sunny, dry, 20c

Total Mileage = 445.8

Monday 8th June 09

Variation of Breedon-on-the-hill Route

Distance = 37.5 miles
Time = 3 hrs 20 mins
Ave Speed = 11.2 mph
Top Speed = 33.0 mph
Weather = Overcast, dry, 15c

Total Mileage = 423.6

Put a few hills into the ride today and a strong headwind coming home made the going quite tough, got a niggling pain in my right knee now (24 hrs later) hope its nothing serious, will rest up a for a few days, dont want to risk it with under 2 weeks to go till the GNBR.

Heanor & Back, 'Route 67'

Distance = 22.5 miles
Time = 1 hrs 53 mins
Ave Speed = 11.9 mph
Top Speed = 25.9 mph
Weather = Overcast, dry, 15c

Total Mileage = 386.1

Pushed hard up a couple of hills and I felt good, as I'm getting fitter I feel that I can push that bit harder, pleasant work out today :)

Holme Pierrepont & Back along Trent

Distance = 24.2 miles
Time = 2 hrs 2 mins
Ave Speed = 11.9 mph
Top Speed = 18.6 mph
Weather = Sunny, dry, 28c

Total Milage = 363.6

Quick blast out to keep the fitness going, feel good after Sunday's ride, starting to string a few rides together.

Sun 31st May 09

Round Breedon + a bit more

Distance = 41.1 miles
Time = 3 hrs 45 mins
Ave Speed = 10.9 mph
Top Speed = 30.9 mph
Weather = Sunny 25c

Total Milage = 339.4

Out early doors to avoid the pounding sun, was still 25c when I arrived home at 11:30am!!

Added to last weeks ride by staying on the Cloud Trail to Derby and back along route 6 to Long Eaton then home. Going to stick to this route but adding a few miles to it each week until the Great Nottingham Bike Ride, next week I will add a couple of miles between Donington and Wilson by going out to Melbourne to pick up the Cloud Trail towards Worthington. It's a good route as it offers a few hills and some off road, when up to 50 miles it will be a tougher ride than the one I'm preparing for.

New speedo purchased, much better quality than the Tesco special, only thing though it doesn't give an ave on the cadence, I can still check my rate though.

Sat 23rd May 2009

Round Breedon

Distance = 36.7 miles
Time = 3 hrs 40 mins
Cadence = ?
Ave Speed = 10.0 mph (estimated)
Top Speed = ? mph
Weather = Sunny 20c

Total Milage = 298.3

View my route on Bikely

Plenty of upward riding done yesterday, wanted to ride without a stop as well, and I felt it, last 3 miles were a killer, looking forward to the 50 miler, I want to get to about 30 miles before having a 5 minute breather and nibble to eat.

Not Happy

I'm going to have to get my wallet out I'm afraid.......

My troublesome computer completely packed up today and I discovered my back wheel has developed a 'wobble' so I'm going to have get myself a new trip computer and see if I can get the wheel straightened somewhere locally, failing that it'll be more expense on a new wheel

Shipley Park and Back using Route 67

Distance = 16.6 miles
Time = 1 hrs 25 mins
Cadence = ?
Ave Speed = 11.5 mph (estimated)
Top Speed = ? mph
Weather = Cloudy 13c

Total Milage = 262.6

Quick Blast up Route 67 and back, pushed on the up hill bits and pushed it on the way home into a headwind.

Am very pleased with yesterdays effort and whats even more pleasing is the fact that I'm feeling very good today, must be getting used to being back on the bike.

5 weeks to go until the 50 mile Nottingham Bike ride, I'm happy if I can add 5 miles to each 'big' ride each weekend and get a couple of 20-25 miler's in in between during the week.

If I can keep this up I'll be in great shape for the c2c next year.

Sunday 17th May 09

From Toton along Trent to Sawley to Lockington up to Airport through Isley Walton past Tonge over A42 to Cloud Hill Quarry then along Cloud Trail to Trent Mersey Canal @ Weston on Trent, along canal to Shardlow and back via Sawley Trent Lock and Attenbourough

Distance = 33.4 miles
Time = 3 hrs 13 mins
Cadence = 84
Ave Speed = 10.4 mph
Top Speed = 31.5 mph
Weather = Heavy Showers 10c

Total Milage = 246

A good ride mixing road with trails and off road stuff, couple of good climbs, one off road. Off road hill from Lockington to airport was tough going as was the on road hill round the back of Tonge up to the A42, nice downhill section past Cloud Hill quarry onto the Cloud Trail (Sustrans route 6) followed Trent Mersey canal from Weston on Trent to shardlow, was quite boggy in parts, followed Trent from shardlow to attenborough then home.

Cadence is up which is pleasing and I'm definately finding the going a bit easier as the cadence increases.

I reckon the new tyres are worth at least 2 or 3 mph on the smooth.

View my route on Bikley - http://www.bikely.com/maps/bike-path/Cloud-Trail-2

New Rubber

Just given her a good clean & lube and fitted some new rubber for the summer months, a pair of Schwalbe Land Cruiser's, fast rolling tyres, hopefully we'll see an improvement in efficiency from these.

11th May 2009

Holme Pierrepont & Back along Trent

Distance = 22.1 miles
Time = 2 hrs 15 mins
Cadence = 76?
Ave Speed = 10.4 mph
Top Speed = 21.7 mph
Weather = Sunny, dry, 16c

Total Milage = 212.6

Out into a strong headwind, real hard push along the regatta lake into the wind, only managed an ave of 6 mph along the 2km length, averaged 20mph on the way back along it with the wind behind :)


Attenborough Church in the background

C2C

Been thinking about this again, I dropped it for this year as the intention was to do it over 3 days in the summer, I'm now considering doing it over 2 days and possibly in September/October, may rope my Dad into it as he offered originally and he is an accomplished long distance rider, the experience he has would definitely benefit me. Failing that I'm deffo wanting to get it done next year, already looking for the next challenge

Home - Beeston Marina - Trent Lock ( River Trent) - Sandiacre (Route 67) - Home

Distance = 13.8 miles
Time = 1 hrs 17 mins
Cadence = 74?
Ave Speed = 10.6 mph
Top Speed = 17.4 mph
Weather = Sunny, dry, 16c

Short ride to get back into things, 13.8 miles but rode it hard into the wind took it easier with the tail wind. Through Attenborough nature reserve, along the trent to Trent Lock, took the canal (route 67) up to Sandiacre and back home through Toton sidings.

Not sure about the cadence as it seemed to pack up near the end of the ride, fingers crossed it's ok next time out.

Need to build up to 50 mile distance for the 21st June and the Great Nottingham bike ride ( www.justgiving.com/liamhobbs )



(Pic shows Radcliffe Power Station across the Trent)

Due to my sons health problems over the past couple of months I have not been able to do any training for the 'big ride' so with regret I have decided to postpone the C2C until 2010.

Instead this year I intend to take part in a few one day organised rides, starting with the 50 mile event at the Great Nottingham Bike Ride this year, this is to build up fitness as well as raise a few quid for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Please visit my Just giving page - http://www.justgiving.com/liamhobbs

Too Long

Its been far too long since I've been out on the bike, Robert my youngest has been in and out of hospital for the past 4 weeks with his asthma, so whilst we've been in there I've been at home keeping an eye on the lad. Hopefully he's all clear now and is going back to school this week, don't want to be too far away for now so I'll be limited to short rides for a week or two, can't wait to get out and about on two wheels again

Which Bike?

Stumbled across a 'Dirty Jo' frame whilst looking for some new forks and bagged myself a bargain, now I'm facing the dilemma of which bike to take on the c2c, do I take the Giant full susser or the hard Tail 'DJ', which bike to I build up to be the number one machine???

At the moment I'm thinking the DJ, it's a super light frame and maybe the hard tail is better suited to this not so rough ride, most of my fitness work is done on the river/canal banks and I hope to get some man made trails in at Cannock Chase so the DJ is probably more suited to my main usage, just keep the NRS for my hacking around on the rough stuff.

Of course money is the biggest factor right now in our current financial climate so I haven't got loads of cash to throw at building up the Dirty Jo, so compromises on both set ups will have to be made.......oh what to do...........

7th January 2009

Home - Along Trent to Holme Pierrepont and Back

Distance = 23.1 miles
Time = 2 hrs 20 mins
Cadence = 80
Ave Speed = 9.9 mph
Top Speed = 16.7 mph
Weather = Overcast, dry, 3c

I've been far too lazy over the winter with only a few very short hacks close to home, time to get going proper again, too much today if I'm honest but hey ho.

Aiming to do around 50 miles per week at the moment until I get back into it properly, the c2c will see mileage of around 35-40 per day but obviously there will be some big hills involved so I want to be covering a 60 mile ride (with hills) at least once a week along with a couple of 30 milers as I approach the big day.