100%

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 37 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 27.96 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 2lb

TOTALS: 116 Hours 38 Minutes, 2007.22 Miles, 17.2 mph

The most gratifying thing about cycling in today was knowing that half way through my journey I'd have done the 2k. I've dropped and kept off over a stone in weight (although I still haven't got back to the 13st 13lb I once achieved during the year), I feel better for it (once I recover from the morning's exertions) and I have muscles that MBJ is proud of !!!

TARGET ACHIEVED!!!!

In Two Minds

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 37 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 27.97 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3mph
Weight: 14st 2lb

Totals: 115 Hours 1 Minute, 1979.26 Miles, 17.2mph

I am in two minds. Part of me is keen to do this last stint and hit target but the other half wants to wait and only get there towards the end of the calendar. Why? Well mainly because however far I go beyond the 2k will surely be xtra miles that I need to do next year. It's almost a parallel to my business goals - whatever we do in 2011 we add 10% for the 2012 target - trouble is (because our 2012 runs from 9/11 to 8/12) we're already well behind the 10% target so I can see it doesn't work!!

20.74 to go!!!!!!!!!

A Round Heeled Woman - And French and Saunders

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 34 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 27.11 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3mph
Weight: 14st 3lb

Totals: 113 Hours 24 Minutes, 1951.29 Miles, 17.2mph

Well, just had the busiest weekend of social delight. Friday we had DND's retirement bash at la Tasca in Bury St Edmunds. Not the greatest food but a good atmosphere and everyone enjoyed themselves, especially DND himself.
Saturday we went to London and saw A Round Heeled Woman at the Riverside in Hammersmith. Starring Sharon Gless of Cagney and Lacey fame it was a funny, emotional play and well worth the money and time spent. We even found ourselves sitting behind Dawn French and Jennifer Saunders!!!
Sunday, after the Silver Fox and the Platinum Bunny had taken our luggage home for us we went to the Doctor Who exhibition at the Cartoon Museum and then on to Longacre where we spent lots of money on clothes.
Great weekend!!!

48.71 to go!!!!

Chasing the Light

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 24 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 24.22 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 2lb

Totals: 111 Hours 50 Minutes, 1924.08 Miles, 17.2 mph

I'm chasing the light! With a week to go before the clocks change it's almost a race against time to complete the challenge. It's getting colder as well. Come November I'll probably settle down to the old route of 9 Miles in and 2 Miles home just to keep the legs warm and the body active. I'm determined not to give up too soon!!! It's just I don't fancy cycling in the dark with all the lethal road users in their gas guzzlers!!!

75.92 to go!!!!!

Last 100

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 37 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 27.96 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 3lb

Totals: 110 Hours 26 Minutes, 1899.86 Miles, 17.2 mph

And so we hit the final 100 miles of the 2011 target. I find myself adding mileage to my route whenever I can just so I get there quicker - but it is only the middle of October and I do have most of November to achieve it, weather permitting. Today seemed cold intially but after a while (say quarter of an hour) the body warmed up and the hands stopped complaining. I did think about putting on the fingered gloves but said to myself that this ought to be the last week in fingerless.....Maybe once the clocks go back - when is that?

100.14 to go!!!!

Red October

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 26 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 24.80 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 4lb

Totals: 108 Hours 49 Minutes, 1871.90 Miles, 17.2 mph

Taking Joe home last night I was struck by the beauty of the sun as it sank over the horizon. I was catching something red in the reflection of my glasses, thinking it was brake lights, but on looking through the rear view mirror it was the reddest sun I have ever seen cresting the tree tops. It looked like some sci-fi exploding sun. Really beautiful.

This morning it was cold....

128.10 to go!!!!

Nights Draw In

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 34 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 27.10 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 4lb

Totals: 107 Hours 23 Minutes, 1847.10 Miles, 17.2 mph

That weight is creeping back up! I keep pigging out at night - that's the problem. Last night, faced with Choc Chip Cookie, Fruit Cake and M and M's, I ate the lot.....Not good!

152.90 to go!!!!

90 Percent

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 24.51 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 3lb

Totals: 105 Hours 49 Minutes, 1820 Miles, 17.19 mph

AT LAST! Into the home straight! Less than 200 mile to target. That's a single stage of the TDF (a long one but who's counting!). Of course now the weather is turning nasty so it may not be achieved in a fortnight but at least I now know my targets are achievable. Question will be - what do I set myself for 2012? Extra miles or the same end? I'll have to wait and see how I feel - and it will all depend on when the weather and sunlight allow me back on my bike in the Spring!!

180 to go!!!!

Layers equals Weight Loss

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 29 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 25.66 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 2lb

Totals: 104 Hours 24 Minutes, 1795.49 Miles, 17.19 mph

And now the weight tumbles. It's due ton putting on the winter garb. My base layer seems to make me sweat a lot more than I ever do in the heat of summer and that in turn is shedding the pounds. MBJ won'r be overly happy - last weekend she stripped the bed and paraded the sweat stains on the bed sheets in front of me. I'm a very active sleeper. With all this extra heat evacuating from my pores one can only imagine what the covers will look like next weekend!!!

204.51 to go!!!!

No More Shorts

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 27 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 23 Miles 14 Minutes
Average Speed: 15.95 mph
Weight: 14st 3lb

Totals: 102 Hours 55 Minutes, 1769.83 Miles, 17.19 mph

So Friday turned out to be my last day in shorts for 2011. With the advent of October proper we now have high winds and coldness. Saying that, this morning I trussed myself up in cold weather gear and then, despite the wind, found it pretty mellow. Does make me sweat though and I think that's going to force some of the excess weight off....

Saturday I went to Bluewater for the first ever time. MBJ had a great time shopping and I even managed to secure the 5th Series of Doctor Who on Blu-Ray for a decent penny. Even met the Silver Fox and Platinum Bunny for lunch!! Delightful.

230.17 to go!!!!

Committeed

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 26 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 24.95 Miles
Average Speed: 17.4mph
Weight: 14st 4lb

Totals: 101 Hours 28 Minutes, 1746.69 Miles, 17.21 mph

Last night was the first meeting of the new committee. It was fun. I think the Musicals society could be great if it were just committee meetings and we didn't have the hassle of all the rehearsals and the histrionics and prima donnas that go with them!!! MBJ and I actually got some of our own social diary sorted at the same time!! Joy!

253.31 to go!!!

October arrives!

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 26 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 23.28 Miles
Average Speed: 16.24 mph
Weight: 14st 4lb

Totals: 100 Hours 2 Minutes, 1721.74 Miles, 17.21 mph

October has now arrived with a vengeance. This morning the ride in was COLD and WINDY. I now take, what I consider to be, a longer route which passes close to Lavenham church before a stretch of high open road that eventually desceneds to Bridge Street. To say that I felt at times I was being blown backwards is no lie. With the wind behind me I felt like I was flying and then turning a corner I found myself pushing the pedals for all I was worth. What's the betting that by the time I go home the wind has turned - or even died down !!!!

278.26 to go!!!!

Cut Short

Time on Bike: 47 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.70 Miles
Average Speed: 17.5mph
Weight: 14st 5lb

Totals: 98 Hours 36 Minutes, 1698.46 Miles, 17.22 mph

Last night's homeward journey was cut short. Thnks to the audit being in full swing and the Dummer office having some audit guy in from one of the insurers I was strung out and didn't get packed up to go until gone 5, and with it being Tuesday and the day I have the boys over I didn't want to be late home. So I just got on the bicycle and pedalled straight up Tesco Hill.....

301.54 to go!!!!

Audit Week

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 13 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.30 Miles
Average Speed: 17.5 mph
Weight: 14st 6lb

Totals: 97 Hours 49 Minutes, 1684.76 Miles, 17.22 mph

First of all - I must stop eating cookies. The weight seems to be going back on. Now admittedly I haven't cycled much in the last fortnight (which will be rectified this week - weather permitting) but I'm still eating sensibly for main meals so it has to be the late night cookie.....but I doubt I'll stop, they're too nice!!

Well this is Audit Week. The team of 3 auditors have descended upon the office and I wait each hour with baited breath to see what tricky problems they will set me to solve. Yesterday was a good one as I "found" another £7k of income - which was nice! Roll on Thursday...

315.24 to go!!!

Week off

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 23 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 24.20 Miles
Average Speed: 17.5 mph
Weight: 14st 4lb

Totals: 96 Hours 36 Minutes, 1663.46 Miles, 17.22mph

A forced week off the bike thanks to various appointments and the all important Board Meeting in Bognor. And was that a waste of time? The roads were kind and the drive down took only 2.5 Hours (which meant we arrived at 7:30!) and then got some year end work done in the office before the meeting. Then Sir Nick arrived and said he had to be away by 12 so the meeting itself was rushed and we were done by 12:10. Back to WF for lunch then away by 2:30pm. Arrived home just over 12 hours after leaving....Mind you, I've felt tired the rest of this week - even fell asleep during Tinker Tailor at the flicks last night, oops!!

336.54 to go!!!!

Tough Test

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 11 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 20.71 Miles
Average Speed: 17.5mph
Weight: 14st 5lb

Totals: 95 Hours 13 Minutes, 1639.26 Miles, 17.21mph

It was a tough test last night as Jody finally joined me on the journey home. I know that I like to keep my average up but he was determined to push us to the limits. Apparently according to his computer we averaged above 18mph for the journey......

360.74 to go!!!!

80 Percent

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 28 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 25.67 Miles
Average Speed: 17.5mph
Weight: 14st 4lb

Totals: 94 Hours 2 Minutes, 1618.55 Miles, 17.21mph

It seemed to take a long time to reach the 80% milestone. Especially thanks to Summer holidays etc. Things should speed up now thanks to my youngest starting Upper School and no longer needing picking up every morning. It means I can leave early and cycle into work on a more demanding route. Over the last few weeks I have been using the Melford bypass hill to add about a mile but I plan to come via Bridge Street from Lavenham once the year end is complete (financial) and I can relax into a normal routine once more!!!

381.45 to go!!!!

After Spain

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 17 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.53 Miles
Average Speed: 16.77 mph
Weight: 14st 5lb

Totals: 92 Hours 34 Minutes, 1592.88 Miles, 17.2 mph

Spain, early September, hot and sunny!! Stayed for a week in a friend's apartment in Torrevieja. It meant using a car as there were no real local amenities but the beaches were good and caught up on a bit of reading.
The bike this morning was not too much of a struggle considering the week's sojourn but with a head wind I was unable to attain the 30mph target on the downhill into Long Melford. I'm sure it won't take too long to get back up to speed!!

407.12 to go!!!!

Pound Off

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 51 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 31.82 Miles
Average Speed: 17.2mph
Weight: 14st 2lb

Totals: 91 Hours 17 Minutes, 1571.35 Miles, 17.21mph

At last I dropped a pound. I think the extra mileage has had something to do with it - and the not drinking alcohol since the weekend. I have intent to get back to 14st flat but with only three more bicycling days before flying off to Spain it looks unlikely....I can but try!

429.65 to go!!!!

Early Starter

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 28 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 25.96 Miles
Average Speed: 17.7mph
Weight: Too early!

Totals: 89 Hours 26 Minutes, 1539.53 Miles, 17.21mph

Today I got up and left for work. With this being the first day of a new financial year I had to be in the office to get some year end processes finished so other people can carry on as normal. That's what I'm doing right now! And because I left early, the roads were so different - fresher, busier, tougher! Back to normal tomorrow but I will probably take a long route home to compensate for time and because I can!!

460.47 to go!!!!

Body Back

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 37 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 28.18 Miles
Average Speed: 17.43mph
Weight: 14st 3lb

Totals: 87 Hours 58 Minutes, 1513.57 Miles, 17.21 mph

Feel like I'm finally getting my body back after a very very very boozy Saturday night. We had a vinyl party (I call it a party but can you really when there are only 8 people present?) where we played all our old favourite black disc music. Great night but then Darren said whisky - and that was all she wrote! Sunday was an embarrassed fug, Monday a busy day of clean and recuperate, yesterday a low energy back to reality day and finally today I'm BACK!!!! Tonight we start setting Little Shop - nervous, excited, trepid. Wish me luck!

486.03 to go!!!!

Vuelta Inclination

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 27 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 25.81 Miles
Average Speed: 17.8 mph
Weight: 14st 3lb

Totals: 86 Hours 21 Minutes, 1485.39 Miles, 17.2 mph

If you saw the Vuelta highlights last night you will have seen the harsh finish straight that went up at about 24%. Not a nice finish and poor David Moncutier (spelling?) got swept up by the attacking climbers after trying to defend a 35 second lead over the final 10km. I know how he felt. On the Lavenham road from Acton Lane there is the initial kick up which you power into from the previous descent as you turn into the road followed by a short downhill, which for some reason I cannot find any speed from, then you're into a right - left double bend and onto a short climb which is easily 24% and over only 50 to 100m your speed plummets from the 20s to 11 (or 9 if your legs don't have it). That they climb something 10 times as long is awesome in itself. I won't moan about that corner again!!

514.61 to go!!!!

Breaking the Law (a tiny bit!)

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 28 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 25.82 Miles
Average Speed: 17.6 mph
Weight: Forgot to look!

Totals: 84 Hours 54 Minutes, 1459.58 Miles, 17.19 mph

Okay, so this morning I broke the law, in front of a policeman. I was coming down into Melford from the top end (after climbed up there via the bypass) and my aim is always to get into top gear, flatten against the bike as best I can, keep peddling and achieve the speed limit. Today was a bit of a head wind so I pushed it best I could and as I passed Melford Hall I was touching 31 - 32 mph. Outside the Hall there happened to be a policeman dealing with some irresponsible driver.....no speed gun thankfully!!

540.42 to go!!!!

Poor Coverage

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 22.24 Miles
Average Speed: 17.79 mph
Weight: 14st 4lb

Totals: 83 Hours 26 Minutes, 1433.76 Miles, 17.18mph

Thursday night was a torrential downpour and a complete washout as far as cycling home was concerned. I took the sensible option and bagged a lift. Then got dropped off Friday morning by MBJ and then cycled home that evening. Trouble was Thursday was a cool, windy day so I had opted for a lond sleeved top whereas Friday became suuny and glorious so my home bound garb was quite inappropriate!
Watched the start of the Vuelta a Espana over the weekend. I guessthat as opposed to the TDF which ITV4 cover themselves, they must buy the Spanish coverage from the Aussies (which would explain the commentator) but the coverage of the opening team time trial was appalling. Why show us the fastest time before showing us another team posting the fastest time of the day but who had gone out earlier - ludicrous. I await the nest TT stage with eager foreboding!!

566.24 to go !!!!

70 Percent and 3000 Miles

Totals: 82 Hours 11 Minutes, 1411.52 Miles, 17.17mph, 14st 4lb

I have dispensed with the trip only stats for this post as once again I have completed 1000 miles on the speedometer and therefore there were a few miles to adjust for because of the one decimal place only on my mph read out. That's 3 resets now on the bike so I have officially cycled over 3000 miles since purchase.
It also means I'm now 70% of the way towards target!!

588.48 to go!!!!

Back from France

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 16 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 22.03 Miles
Average Speed: 17.4 mph
Weight: 14st 3lb

Totals: 80 Hours 48 Minutes, 1372.94 Miles, 16.99mph

After a prolonged pause I am now back on the bike. Just had a week in France visiting my friend (and frere francais) Benoit and his family followed by a few days at home. Yesterday I had a contact lens fitting so in future I will be able to see where I am cycling in sharp aspect rather than blurred relief !!! Unfotunately last night's first attempt to put the damned contacts in was an unmitigated failure.....

627.06 to go!!!!

Finally Summer?

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 15 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.75 Miles
Average Speed: 17.4 mph
Weight: 14st 5lb

Totals: 79 Hours 32 Minutes, 1350.91 Miles, 16.98mph

Monday and today were finally the sort of days I've been expecting to ride in. Ones where you don't have to put too many clothes on, don your stylish eyewear and head into head winds without it feeling cold on your knees and face! We were talking about Summer at the weekend and how it's like a weekend, I will explain - June is Friday - all anticipation. July is Saturday - make the most of it. August is Sunday - it's almost over and time to think about going back to work!! Well, if Summer's finally here - it's almost over!!

649.09 to go!!!!

Chester - 6 Pounds

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 13 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.18 Miles
Average Speed: 17.4mph
Weight: 14st 6lb

Totals: 78 Hours 17 Minutes, 1329.16 Miles, 16.97mph

Just had a weekend in Chester with Silver Fox and Platinum Rabbit. It was a weekend of excess - many bottles of wine, beer, even lager and very nice food. The result - a whopping 6lb!!

670.84 to go!!!!

Good Evans!

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 27 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 25.23 Miles
Average Speed: 17.4mph
Weight: 14st 2lb

Totals: 77 Hours 4 Minutes, 1307.98 Miles, 16.97mph

So, Cadel Evans becomes the first Aussie to win the Tour (and the oldest since the war!), Cavendish becomes the first Brit to win the Green Jersey competition and the first man to win 3 consecutive Paris finishes. I didn't want Evans to win, I would have preferred Schleck (either!) and going into the Alps was hoping for a miracle from Voeckler but on the face of it Evans was the strongest, determined, dogged. He fought for the win and when he crossed the line on the TT stage I wished he'd actually won it. Well done Cadel.

692.02 to go!!!!

Voeckler

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 14 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.45 Miles
Average Speed: 17.4 mph
Weight: 14st 1lb

Totals: 75 Hours 37 Minutes, 1282.75 Miles, 16.96mph

July is turning out to be a cold month. I find myself pushing hard which keeps me warm but once I stop and get inside I am hot and very very sweaty. Another fast descent into Melford today but no tricky turns like the guys in the Tour have to cope with. Hats off to Voeckler who yesterday was the second rider who used a parking bay as a run off during the final downhill of the stage from Gap. He lost 27 seconds though which is kind of a shame because I would love to see him still in yellow come Sunday night.

717.25 to go!!!!

70 MPH

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 7 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 24.28 Miles
Average Speed: 21.74 mph
Weight: 14st 1lb

Totals: 74 Hours 23 Minutes, 1261.30 Miles, 16.95mph

Another watershed moment as I tick over to an average of 17.4mph for the current 1000 mile section which in it's turn drags up the overall average and adds 4.9 miles to distance travelled. Okay it's nothing near the 70mph that Thor Hushovd would do on a mountain descent but I get to 30mph coming into Long Melford from the top end!!!

738.70 to go!!!!

TTT

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 13 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.05 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 73 Hours 16 Minutes, 1237.02 Miles, 16.88mph

It was a pleasure last night to have Jody's company on the ride home. With nasty head winds for 60% of the route we took turns at the front and made good time despite the adverse conditions. It just shows the benefits of an echelon in a Team Time Trial.
On extra curricular note, last night was technical rehearsal for Allo Allo. I missed the first half through it being Tuesday and boy night but what I saw of Act 2 was very encouraging. Roll on 8pm and Dress Rehearsal..

762.98 to go!!!

60 Percent

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 2 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 17.88 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 72 Hours 3 Minutes, 1215.97 Miles, 16.87 mph

So 60% into the target but July seems to be slow going with cycling days very intermitent at the moment thanks to days off, having the kids, giving blood etc. This week will just be today and tomorrow.....
The time on bike belies the fact that I did a big turn this morning, coming in via Little Waldingfield and Brent Eleigh. It looks like a normal ride because I went straight up Tesco hill for my final homeward bound last week due to dark cloud and threat of rain....With the boys round tonight I am still not quite sure which way I'll go home today.

784.03 to go!!!!

Fitter or fatter?

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 13 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.05 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 1lb

Totals: 71 Hours 1 Minute, 1198.09 Miles, 16.87 mph

Can I get fitter as well as fatter? Whilst I definitely more capable of turning a bigger gear and have demonstrated an ability to maintain a high average speed I am also clearly maintaining a plus 14 stone weight. The problem being I no longer care about what I put in my mouth because I know (or just think!) that the next day's exercise will lose those calories. I think (or just know!) that I need to start back on a healthier diet. I have a drawer full of healthy snacks (cereal bars etc) at work but instead of having one along with the banana and sandwich, I invariably tuck into two or three. This has to stop!
Today was a Board Meeting so while I write this I am eating three different types of cake after a crisp/sandwich/scotch egg starter.......YUM!

801.91 to go!!!

Concerted Efforts

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 24.50 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 1lb

Totals: 69 Hours 48 Minutes, 1177.04 Miles, 16.86mph

July will no doubt be a sparse month for the cyclist in me. This weekend just gone I was golfing on Friday, saw Foo Fighters on Saturday, Felixstowe and Coggeshall on Sunday, finally Take That at Wembley on Monday. Today it was just nice to get up and get on the bike to come to work!
Bull Lane is closed. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to get through so I went up the by pass and came into Melford down the long hill - head wind though so no great shakes!!

822.96 to go!!!

Frustration

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 18 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 22.49 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 68 Hours 23 Minutes, 1152.54 miles, 16.85 mph

Last night was the official read through for Little Shop Of Horrors with full cast. I had lovingly prepared the rehearsal schedule yesterday afternoon using the audition slips which clearly ask people to notify any holidays etc. Imagine my frustration (and mild anger) when people then come to me and notify holidays that weren't on their forms that clash with the scheduling. WHY CAN'T PEOPLE FILL FORMS OUT PROPERLY??? I will now spend another half hour today trying to re-arrange the schedule....

847.46 to go!!!!

Boil in the Bag

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 2 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 17.88 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 67 Hour 5 Minutes, 1130.05 Miles, 16.84 mph

On Monday I discovered what boil in the bag fish must feel like. With temperatures soaring it took me a good hour to cool down in the morning and a cold shower to help cool down once I'd got home. And did we push it! Jody brought his new £1,600 bike and we hammered the Lavenham journey, hence the reduction in time on bike. I believe the weight loss is also down to the sweat that now weighs down Monday's shirts!!!

869.95 to go!!!!

Sweating Buckets

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.74 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 1lb

Totals: 66 Hours 3 Minutes, 1112.17 Miles, 16.83mph

Yesterday and today must be the hottest it's been for a while and I chose two forms of exercise that have/had me sweating buckets. Yesterday I took Joe to play Tennis along with James and Tom. Two hours later we were all sweaty and sunburnt. Today I cycle to work and don't even consider easing up because of the heat so now here I am at 9:36 still sweating inside!! Great.

887.83 to go!!!!

Introspection

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 6 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 19.03 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 64 Hours 58 Minutes, 1093.43 Miles, 16.83mph

Last night MBJ told me that she gets peeved about my biking because it means I get home at 6 (say) have tea and then we're going out. No time to talk or for me to cook. I'm going to have to think this over....

906.57 to go!!!!

Hot you're cool, cool you're hot

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 32 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 26.53 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 1lb

Totals: 63 Hours 52 Minutes, 1074.40 Miles, 16.82 mph

So I get up and look outside and it looks pretty bleak. I take the kids to school and it still looks windy and ominous. I get home, I put on my cycle gear. I think about the portentious weather outside so I put on a long sleeved top over my normal stuff. I get outside and get on the bike. A mile from home, what happens? SUN, warm skin tingling sun, all the way to work. Bugger!

925.60 to go!!!!

Good Food

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 7 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 19.32 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: Forgot

Totals: 62 Hours 20 Minutes, 1047.87 Miles, 16.81 mph

I forgot to weigh myself this morning and it's probably for the best. We had a weekend away that included a visit to the Good Food Show at the NEC and lots of alcohol at my brother's. I've also been tucking away the biscuits at home - which has to stop! I'm probably not much more than last week but there's always that fear of bloating!!!

952.13 to go!!!!

Counting Down

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 3 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.16 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 1lb

Totals: 61 Hours 13 Minutes, 1028.55 Miles, 16.8 pmh

Before yesterday I was always counting up - trying to attain the 1k as fast as possible. Now I'm counting down with the same obsession and intensity. Thing is I know I'm not just going to stop and get off the bike once I reach zero and whatever I do this year I'll want to beat next year so how do I slow it down and just take it easy? I'll hate it if I'm bringing my average speed down and I don't want to do less miles - it's keeping me trim!!!

971.45 to go!!!!

50 Percent aka I Would Ride 500 Miles and I Would Ride 500 More Just To Be The Man Who Rides 1000 Miles..And Now I'll Ride Some More!

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 31 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 26.24 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 60 Hours 10 Minutes, 1010.39 Miles, 16.79 mph

I think the title says it all today!

989.61 to go !!!!

Hills

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 29 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 25.66 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 2lb

Totals: 58 Hours 39 Minutes, 984.15 Miles, 16.78 mph

With the annual target nearly at the halfway point and the weather improved to allow early evening warmth whilst cycling home it's time to push on with improving my climbing ability. On Monday night I preceded the normal journey home with the Glemsford loop (Melford to Glemsford and back - up Barrow Hill and down the other one!) and with a free evening tonight I plan to take full advantage and do Lamarsh (and maybe Glemsford as well as a warm up!!)

1,015.85 to go!!!!!

Spring Again!

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 4 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.46 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 3lb

Totals: 57 Hours 10 Minutes, 958.49 Miles, 16.76 mph

Where on earth did the weight come from? I didn't have a blow out weekend, I didn't really have lunch on Saturday and yet I have still managed to gain weight!! Maybe it's just everything sorting itself out after New York (which reminds me that I did manage three pieces of cheesecake and some Chocolate Fudge Cake over the course of the weekend!!). Hopefully a week on the bike proper will sort everything out - and we're looking at Thursday morning for the magic 1k - excitement!!

1,041.51 to go!!!!

Morning Glory

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 19 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 22.77 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 56 Hours 6 Minutes, 940.03 Miles, 16.75 mph

Early start today, 7:30 to be precise. Jody's wife is on late shift so he suggested joining him on his trip in since he too is now back on the bike, so I jumped at the opportunity to put him through his paces and have a bit of company. What a great ride it was too - out to Little Waldingfield, over to Monks Eleigh, back to Lavenham, across via Bridge Street to Stanstead and then down into Melford and work for 8:45. Jody looked a bit strung out when we'd stopped as he's only just crested his first 100 mile sof the year!! Good start to the day....will do that again!!

1,059.97 to go!!!

Return from the Big Apple

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 3 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.17 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 14st 2lb

Totals: 54 Hours 47 Minutes, 917.26 Miles, 16.74 mph

I've just been to New York, so for those of you paying attention this explains the weight gain!! Had a fabulous time, saw all the sights, ate well, got drunk!
Meanwhile the bike went to Matt at Suffolk Cycle Surgery for a Full Monty service and has come back looking great, feeling great and sounding...quiet!! I recommend a complete overhaul once a year, it's like getting a new bike for a fraction of the cost!!!

1,087.74 to go!!!!

Golf

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.74 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 13st 11lb

Totals: 53 Hours 46 Minutes, 899.09 Miles, 16.72 mph

A couple of days out of the saddle as I played golf yesterday so my exercise was the 3 - 4 mile walk around the golf course in the sun! Today it is windy again and I forced myself through a head wind after benefitting from it for the Lavenham stretch of the journey!!!

1,100.91 to go!!!!

Wally of the Week

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 3 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.17 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 13st 12lb

Totals: 52 Hours 41 Minutes, 880.35 Miles, 16.71 mph

Well Friday and Saturday nights shows went without much of a hitch and cast and crew loved every minute of it so it was a roaring success. Inevitably I was the lucky recipient of the Wally of the Week award thanks to my Fruitalanche on Thursday's opening night!!

1,119.65 to go!!!!

First Night - Crash!

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 3 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.16 Miles
Average Speed: 17.3 mph
Weight: 13st 12lb

Totals: 51 Hours 38 Minutes, 862.18 Miles, 16.69 mph

Opening night of WestEnders started with a bang - literally. I walked on stage carrying my tray of fruit and placed it exactly where I had on dress rehearsal and suddenly - CRASH! - the whole barrow tipped forward and spilled fruit and flowers all over the stage! What a disaster. We carried on as true professionals and during the first scene the people in the market rectified the mess!! Apart from that the night was a great success!!
Bike wise, I travelled along a re-surfaced road this morning (where the council thinks it's a good idea to throw small chippings onto wet tar) where signs clearly warned 20mph was the recommended speed and yet despite the fact that I was doing that 20mph all the cars still thought it a good idea to speed past and cover me with chippings. If not for my cycle glasses I'd probably be blind now!!

1,137.82 to go!!!!

Technical Rehearsal

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 7 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.78 Miles
Average Speed: 19.5 mph
Weight: 13st 11lb

Totals: 50 Hours 35 Minutes, 844.02 Miles, 16.68 mph

Last night was a Technical / Dress Rehearsal for the show. It went very well without any real technical issues. Darren Smalley is a marvel on the lighting board and Steph his significant other was on follow spot - brilliant. A few props down but we'll sort that for tonights opening salvo.
Back on the road this morning I was running a bit late anyway because of having to drop MBJ's car off for it's MOT and I was pounding the pedals against a head wind when coming into Lavenham the road to Melford proclaimed re-surfacing work and two bends in it then said ROAD CLOSED. I had to divert back to Acton and come in from there - hence the extra time and extra miles!!!

1,155.98 to go!!!!

40 Percent.....and then a bit more

Time on Bike: 2 Hours 6 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 36.12 Miles
Average Speed: 17.2 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 49 Hours 28 Minutes, 822.24 Miles, 16.62 mph

I should have blogged 40 percent on Friday but Blogger was down so this is an amalgamation of two posts. Also on Friday I was down to 13st 10lb but now we've had a weekend and....
Wedding fever happened on Saturday with the nuptials of Julian and Lyndsay. What a great day! And I almost remember some of it!! Gin, Pimms, Beer, Wine was the main sequence of events interspersed by Ceremony, Food, Speeches and Dancing. We had a fantastic day and Sunday was spent sore headed and silent.
Thankfully I was feeling well enough on Sunday evening to go to Coggeshall to pick up the counter/bar for our WestEnders show as well as the barrows and flats. Final rehearsal tonight and then all systems go on Wednesday...

1,177.76 to go!!!!

Final Run

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 2 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 19.93 Miles (Sort of!)
Average Speed: 19.28 mph
Weight: 13st 12lb

Totals: 47 Hours 22 Minutes, 786.12 Miles, 16.59 mph

Last night was our final full run of WestEnders before curtain up at the Quay next week. It was the last time that Alex will be with us before opening night because of his job. Izzy came along (on request) with her arm in a sling thanks to a broken collar bone but it didn't impede her performance. And it all went very well!!
Today was blustery. Head wind but thankfully on the downslopes so I was still able to maintain a good speed - hence the notch up in avearge onec again!!

1,213.88 to go!!!!

Cooling off

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 4 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.24 Miles
Average Speed: 17.1 mph
Weight: 13st 11lb

Totals: 46 Hours 20 Minutes, 766.19 Miles, 16.53 mph

Cooler weather today also means less cooling off time. I don't know what I'm going to do come summer but these last few days in the glorious sunshine have meant one very sweaty body!!

1,233.81 to go!!!

Coggeshall or bust

Time on Bike: 2 Hours 8 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 34.65 Miles
Average Speed: 16.24 mph
Weight: 13st 12lb

Totals: 45 Hours 16 Minutes, 747.95 Miles, 16.52 mph

Yesterday we were going to a production meeting for Allo Allo at Darren's in Coggeshall so I decided to bike there and Jac could bringthe car over for transporting back. I knew it was about 17 - 18 miles which is a nice hour's ride at 30 minute pace! It was warm weather but boy did it blow. Head wind all the way and a few long slow climbs but I still managed it in the hour so I was quite pleased with myself.
Friday and Saturday were our two preview shows for WestEnders and they went really well. Nobody let themselves down and things got sharp and tight. Loved it!

1,252.05 to go!!!!

HOT!

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 7 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 20.92 Miles (maybe)
Average Speed: 18.73 mph (possibly)
Weight: 13st 11lb (yikes!)

Totals: 43 Hours 8 Minutes, 713.30 Miles, 16.53 mph

Today is my eldest son's birthday so I was able to pop round on my way to work with cards from myself and my mother and father (grandma and grandad to him) tucked in my cycling jacket! We hugged, exchanged early morning pleasantries including him asking questions about me cycling to work everday which, if he'd ever listened, he already knew answers to!
Then I came to work. There was relatively no breeze today and once again I pushed hard where I should be conservative and once again I have clocked up another 0.1 average mph. The totals therefore speak the truth but the daily rates may not. With also dropping another lb (pound) in weight I am verging on needing to supplement my diet (which is slap dash at best..). We'll see...

1,286.70 to go!!!!

Pushing Up!

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 2 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 19.29 Miles (or not!)
Average Speed: 18.66 mph (or even more not!)
Weight: 13st 12lb

Totals: 42 Hours 1 Minute, 692.38 Miles, 16.47mph

As my legs bed into the season my average speed gradually increases. Of course as regular readers will know this makes a mockery of the distance travelled and the avergae journey speed for the day that the speedometer ticks over but c'est la vie. I am considering resetting the speedo when the bike goes in for it's service at th end of the month but part of me thinks that to do that I should at least get to 1000 miles - but not only is that impossible but also a foolish target!! Of course if I reset and it still won't give me a mileage read out I'll have to consider getting a new one! Maybe I'll bite the bullet and do it this week instead...

1,307.62 to go!!!!

Suffolk Cycle Surgery and The Royal Wedding

Time on Bike: 2 Hours 45 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 46.75 Miles
Average Speed: 17 mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 40 Hours 59 Minutes, 673.09 Miles, 16.42 mph

Friday last was the Royal Wedding and not being overly interested I took the opportunity to go out and about for a couple of hours. Before I ventured out though I had my first experience of the Suffolk Cycle Surgery ( http://www.suffolkcyclesurgery.com/ ). My gears had been slipping ab bit since the fire dorr at work had whacked the derailleur on the way out of the office a week or so ago and on Jody's recommendation I had Matt come out to have a look! Twenty minutes later all was fixed and I was on my way! The bike is now booked in for a full service at the end of this month while I go off to New York..
The route that royal morning took me out to Lavenham, across through Brent Eleigh, Monks Eleigh, round to Boxford, back to Waldingfield, over to Acton, back up to Lavenham, down to Melford and home! I arrived just in time to catch the bride and groom heading back to Buckingham Palace....

1,326.91 to go!!!!

By Royal Appointment

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 6 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.70 Miles
Average Speed: 17.0 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 38 Hours 14 Minutes, 626.34 Miles, 16.38 mph

So tomorrow is the Royal Wedding and lots of people will be stuck inside watching some elbortae ceremony on their television while I will be out on my bike!! Let's hope it's not like it was this morning - blowing a gale! The response from my body was really encouraging though and despite the wind I kept a good speed up and made good advantage of the back wind run in to keep my average speed up at 17mph.

1,373.66 to go!!!!!

30 Percent

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 6 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.70 Miles
Average Speed: 17.0 mph
Weight: 13st 13lb on the dot

Totals: 37 Hours 8 Minutes, 607.64 Miles, 16.36mph

Well that didn't take long. Now I'm taking the longer route into work as well as home I'm steadily building up the mileage! It was always the intention to achieve 10 percent per month so having done 30% with a few days spare is very satisfying. I have every intention of going out on Friday (Royal Wedding day) and clocking up 30 to 50 miles and that will give me a head start for May (as will tonight and tomorrow!). With all the holidays coming up (New York at the end of next month!!) I think I need to have some miles in hand!

1,392.36 to go!!!!

Fignon

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 19.43 Miles
Average Speed: 17.93mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 36 Hours 2 Minutes, 588.94 Miles, 16.34mph

I am reading Laurent Fignon's autobiography. The one thing that strikes me is that 90 pages in he is saying he would never call anyone a cheat and yet his opening salvo aimed at Greg Lemond and the 8 seconds that lasted a lifetime contains an allegation of that very sort. It's a good book, like all French sport stars (see Cantona) he comes across as very poetic with that in built arrogance - it's what makes a champion!!
Off to camp for Easter. Next post on 27th!

1,411.06 to go!!!!

Goodbye Sarah Jane

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 19.21 Miles
Average Speed: 17.73mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 34 Hours 57 Minutes, 569.51 Miles, 16.29mph

Elisabeth Sladen passed away yesterday. I only found out this morning. It was a shock. I was only just joking with the great Andrew Jacobs about being the Doctor's assistant if he was the Doctor himself and then I read that one of the greatest assistants of all time has died. Sad, sad day.

1,430.49 to go!!!!!

Stag Roast

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 5 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.21 Miles
Average Speed: 16.8 mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 33 Hours 52 Minutes, 550.30 Miles, 16.25 mph

The weekend was begun with a fairly easy ride home. The roads don't do any damage when the wind and rain abates!! After recuperating and picking the boys up (in the dreaded automobile) I then joined Julian and co for his stag night. He got very drunk very quickly, proceeded to make a total fool of himself without much prompting and by 11 us senior revellers had had enough and went back to mine for polite conversation with proper drinks!
On Sunday I made the roast dinner. Achievement!
This morning's ride was foggy but cool with it and I was able to really go at the roads once my legs remembered how to function. Another day off tomorrow but a real effort Weds and Thurs to get to April target before Easter!!

1,449.70 to go!!!!

Cover Up!

Time On Bike: 1 Hour 7 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 19.44 Miles
Average Speed: 17.4 mph
Weight: 13st 12lb

Totals: 32 Hours 47 Minutes, 532.09 Miles, 16.23 mph

Well the cool air is back and I covered back up. It felt better than whizzing along in the cold though! The weight continues to drop. It's not like I'm not eating either! I yhave to assume it's the extra energy expended on the daily journaeys and come the end of the Easter break when the daily mileage drops back to 13.5 the weight will go back on!
Not about the bike - Last night was audition time for 'Allo 'Allo. Some were good, some were poor, one was disappointing and one was brilliant. That's all I'm willing to say!!

1,467.81 to go!!!!

Return of Mr Freeze

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 7 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 18.65 Miles
Average Speed: 16.7 mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 31 Hours 40 Minutes, 512.65 Miles, 16.18 mph

After two days out of the saddle - I don't cycle on Tuesdays and yesterday was a Board meeting in Basingstoke! - I returned to a colder, wetter trip in. Recent warm weather meant I still got up and put the shorts on but my legs still feel cold now after being in the office for half an hour. It was also trying to spit so I went with the waterproof top but felt my bottom half could cope!!
On the weight front I was surprised this morning by that fact that the 13/13 I have registered above is very close to a 13/12 and miles away from a 14. I will have to keep an eye on this as I think dropping into the 11 - 12 lb region isn't ideal. I look better with some weight on - honest!

1,487.35 to go!!!!

Feels Like Summer

Time on Bike: 2 Hours 55 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 48.14 Miles
Average Speed: 16.5 mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 30 Hours 33 Minutes, 494 Miles, 16.17 mph

Well the sun came out and didn't it feel like summer? Went out for two hours on Sunday with only a short sleeved top on! The only foolish part was that I had breakfast (just a bowl of cereal) at about 9:30 am and then did some odd jobs about the home (varnishing the deck - that sort of thing!) which meant I didn't go out until just after noon and I hadn't taken on any more food. About 90 minutes into the ride I was feeling weak! Still completed a full tour of Bures, Lamarsh, Henny, Borley, Foxearth, Cavendish, Long Melford, Acton and Great Waldingfield !!! Joy!

1,506 Miles to go!!!!

Allo Allo

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 7 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 19.04 Miles
Average Speed: 17.05 Mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 27 Hours 38 Minutes, 445.86 Miles, 16.13 mph

We had the read through for Allo Allo last night. It was great to see everyone at Coggeshall again and I'm looking forward to directing this one. A few new faces and lots of familiar ones.
On the bike, with the kids staying with their Nan, I've been able to take a longer route in and am well on the way to satisfying my monthly mileage requirement despite only having 3 days on this week. With any luck I can bank a few miles ready for next month when there will be a lot of rest days thanks to holidays and shows!!

1,554.14 miles to go!!!!

SHORTS!!!!!

Time on Bike: 49 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.73 Miles
Average Speed: 16.8 mph

Totals: 26 Hours 31 Minutes, 426.82 Miles, 16.09 mph

I wear cycle shorts now, cycle shorts are cool!

With this sudden arrival of warm weather it was delightful to search out the shorts today for the first time this year. I'm sure the weather won't hold and I'll be back in the full body gear before you can say supercallafragilisticexpialadocious BUT make hay while the sun shines!!!!

1,573.18 to go!!!!

20 Percent

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 18 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.50 Miles
Average Speed: 16.53 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 25 Hours 42 Minutes, 413.09 Miles, 16.07 mph

On the way home on Friday I hit the 20 percent point (400 miles!), not only that but I also clocked another 1000 in total since purchase (which I guess means I've done 2014.83 miles to date on this machine!). This in turn means the bike computer reset to zero so now my average speed will fluctuate violently for a week or so until it settles down to a new common denominator! It's started at 16.8 for the 53 minutes so far travelled and the hope is to maintain somewhere around 16.5 - 17 which will be a marked improvement on last year. HOWEVER - once I get the time to put in some serious hill work I'm sure this will tumble so I'll make the most of these early days!!

1,586.91 to go!!!!

And The Blustery Day

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 25 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 22.95 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph (Still?)
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 24 Hours 24 Minutes, 391.59 Miles, 16.05 mph

Last night I was blown from pillar to post, or in other words, from Sudbury to Bures and back again. Unfortunately for the most part the wind was blowing into my side or face so I didn't really get the benefit of a wind assisted ride! On the plus side I completed the Lamarsh loop without getting out of the saddle a single time, proving once and for all that once you start putting hills into your legs, your legs soon remember how to put into hills!!!

1,608.41 to go!!!!

Damp Squid

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 15 Minutes Distance Travelled: 20.25 Miles Average Speed: 16.2 mph Weight: 14st Totals: 22 Hours 59 Minutes, 368.64 Miles, 16.04 mph As I didn't have to take the kids to school I took the opportunity of doing a long ride in. The roads were still wet from all the overnight rain (in which I cycled home last night) so I still had to wear waterproofs which makes you feel the way the chicken in the bag feesl once it's been thrown in the boiling pot. It also means a much longer cool off time once I got to the office because no matter how much I promise myself not to push - I still do. MBJ says I'm becoming obsessed! I just want to do the miles! 1,631.36 to go!!!

Nothing

Time on Bike: 49 Minutes Distance Travelled: 13.23 Miles Average Speed: 16.2 mph Weight: 14st Totals: 21 Hours 44 Minutes, 348.39 Miles, 16.03 mph Today I really don't have anything to say! 1,651.61 to go!!!!

Birthday Ride

Time on Bike: 2 Hours 56 Minutes Distance Travelled: 47.52 Miles Average Speed: 16.2 mph Weight: 14st 3lb Totals: 20 Hours 55 Minutes, 335.16 Miles, 16.02 mph What a great birthday weekend I just had! Richard came over and we took the bikes out and about the villages on Sunday morning for a very satisfying 30+ mile trip. Add to that the presents and the restaurant food and the real ale and wine you get the perfect Birthday!! Now I just need to lose the 3lbs I added because of all the debauchery! 1,664.84 to go!!!

Back In The Loop

Time on Bike: 1 Hour 19 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 21.33 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph (yeah right!)
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 17 Hours 59 Minutes, 287.64 Miles, 15.99 mph

With the evenings finally stretching out and no extra curricular activity planeed for the evening (i.e. rehearsals, children etc) I was finally able to get back on the Lamarsh Loop and take in some serious inclines. Remember this is Suffolk so there are no long meandering hills but the Loop includes 5 steep climbs that get you through the gears and make you feel broken and exhausted at every peak. Being early season (for the amateur social cyclist) meant I did have to get out of the saddle on three (or was it four?) occassions, but I'm satisfied with the progress and I haven't damaged my average speeds at all!
Sunday out with RV for a good two hour stint, weather permitting, which should see me get closer to the end of March target!

1,712.36 to go!!!!

Millenium Bug

Time on Bike: 47 Minutes !
Distance Travelled: 12.69 Miles ?
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 16 Hours 40 Minutes, 266.31 Miles, 15.97 mph

If you read yesterday's blog you'll appreciate the exclamation / question marks. I'm doing the same journey but the mileage comes out different because the meter on the bike will only give me average speed over time. Annoying really. The worry is that it still IS clocking up the miles and when it gets to 999.99 it will reset to zero - which is what I believe happened mid season last year! So...I'm looking at the end of the next week when my very own millenium bug happens and messes up the records completely.

1,733.69 to go!!!!

Moving On

Time on Bike: 48 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 12.96 Miles !
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 15 Hours 53 Minutes. 253.62 Miles, 15.96 mph

This is one of those occasions when the records lie thanks to the inaccuracy of the mph reading on the meter. I've obviously pushed a bit harder and shaved two minutes off the journey time but unfortunately with a one d.p. counter for speed there is no change in average and it looks as though I've travelled half a mile less than normal. Oh well, keep pushing and eventually that mph has got to tick up a notch and I'll be back where I finished last season. Cross fingers.

1,746.38 to go!!!!

Aches and Pains

Time on Bike: 50 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.50 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 15 Hours 5 Minutes, 240.66 Miles, 15.95 mph

I'm all aches and pains this morning having spent a good part of Sunday replacing borders in our garden. With only 6 beds you wouldn't think it would take all that long but these things have to be done right so you don't have to repeat yourself in a couple of years time!! Wrist aches from screwdriving, arm aches from sawing and hammering.
It was a relief this morning to get abck on the bike and feel the aches and pains in my legs instead. Felt so nice to ride towards Acton in the cool morning air!!

1,759.34 to go!!!!!

Song In Red

Time on Bike: 50 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.5 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 14 Hours 15 Minutes, 227.16 Miles, 15.94 mph

Drizzle. Not like you get on a lemon cake but the stuff from the sky. Waterproofs on but although you could feel it on your face (my face!) you didn't really get that wet! Just hot!

1,772.84 to go!!!

Center Parcs

Time on Bike: 50 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.50 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 14st 1lb

Totals: 13 Hours 25 Minutes, 213.66 Miles, 15.92 mph

A short break has just been spent at Center Parcs in Thetford. It was a welcome respite from normal life and I managed to play Badminton, Golf, have a massage and do their Aerial Challenge (tree assault course!). Took the bikes but with MBJ breaking her elbow on Friday evening whilst roller skating and me twisting my ankle before we'd even left home we didn't really get much use out of them. luckily our "shed" (as Mr Smalley refers to them) was as close to the amenities as we could have wished so we weere able to walk most places.
Of course being away from home any hope of a balanced diet was dashed as soon as we sat down in Cafe Rouge on Friday lunchtime and copious amounts of grease and alcohol made their way into my temple!! Good times.
Took it easy yesterday and used the guzzler but back to the pedal today - ankle feels reasonably good, weather is a bit warmer, life's a challenge.

1,786.34 to go!!!!

Ten Percent (10%)

Time on Bike: 48 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 12.96 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2mph
Weight: 13st 11lb

Totals: 12 Hours 35 Minutes, 200.16 Miles, 15.90 mph

Well that's the first ten percent of the target out of the way. In four weeks as well which is very rewarding. I intend to up the mileage once the warmer weather gets here so that during the summer I won't feel bad about going on holiday for a couple of weeks!! I would hope that come May / June I'm actually doing about 100 miles a week anyway - especially during school holidays when I don't have to pick the kids up and take them in...

1,799.84 to go!!!!!

Re-Snap

Time on Bike: 50 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.50 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 13st 12lb

Totals: 11 Hours 47 Minutes, 187.20 Miles, 15.88 mph

The cold returned this morning but despite the sub zero temperature (according to the car as I drove the kids to school) it didn't feel all that bad. Admittedly my hands had started to ache by the time I got to the office but once the gloves were off and the heating did it's work I felt good.
The weight addition from the weekend had also dropped back off so I have hope for this weekend and my 4 day visit to centreparcs and the alcohol that it will be necessary to consume (honest!).

1,812.80 to go!!!!

Spring is here!

Time on Bike: 50 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.51 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 14st

Totals: 10 Hours 57 Minutes, 173.70 Miles, 15.86 mph

A weekend of two curries has seen some of the weight go back on. I can't be disappointed since I sat round friends on Saturday night and ate home made profiteroles like they were going out of fashion.
Spring is peeping through today! Sun's out and air is mildly warm. Let's hope it lasts for the rest of the day and I get a decent ride home!!

1,826.30 to go!!!!

Mud, Mud, Glorious Mud

Time on Bike: 42 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 11.33 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2mph
Weight: 13st 12lb

Totals: 10 Hours 7 Minutes, 160.19 Miles, 15.83 mph

My waterproofs, my foot guards and some of my actual clothing is now all covered in mud. With the return of inclement weather and positively dull afternoon / evenings I curtailed my route home, taking in the Acton loop. On arriving at the descendant part of the course I was greeted with makeshift farmer's sign that read - MUD ON ROAD. Great! Of course whilst riding through you don't really notice but when I got home my foot protectors were brown and there was a wide muddy stripe up my back.
It's cold again as well. I could honestly do with some rain tonight to wash things down a bit!

1,839.81 to go!!!

The Wind and Rain Blows Through Me

Time on Bike: 2 Hours 3 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 33.22 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2mph
Weight: 13st 13lb

Totals: 9 Hours 25 Minutes, 148.86 Miles, 15.81mph

Finally took advantage of some fair weather and got out on the roads at the weekend, although the fair weather didn't last long. Cool sunshine turned into headwinds and by the time I got home I was pleased of the rest. My Sunday morning trek took me out to Lavenham, down to Bridge Street, up to Shimpling, up further to Stansted and then back down into Melford and up Tesco hill to home. Very satisfying.
The rain was with me again this am. After a pointless trip to take the kids to school, who informed me on my arrival that neither of them were going in, I donned waterproofs and took the 3.5 mile journey into the office. Wet head winds followed.
I am hoping that the mood will lighten during the day so my journey home is dry!!

1,851.14 to go!!!!

Paul

Time on Bike: 52 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 14.03 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2mph
Weight: 13st 10lb

Totals: 7 Hours 22 Minutes, 115.64 Miles, 15.69mph

Last night I went to see Paul, the new Frost and Pegg film, with Julian. We preceded our viewing with a meal at Giraffe in Bury St Edmunds. Nice restaurant, pleasant staff, decent food at affordable price (£9.95 for 2 courses - who could complain) and a funny, watchable film where the CGI alien was very well delivered!
But despite the meal out and the slice of fruit cake when I got home I have still dropped another pound in weight. Weird. This has also been supplemented by the arrival of a spot/boil/pimple (call it what you will!) on the end of my nose. Greatness!
Feel like the strength is now returning to my legs and the last two rides (last night and this morning) I have pushed as best I can. desparately want to get the mph back up to where I finished last season so I can feel I'm starting properly to gain fitness, power etc.

1,884.36 to go!!!!

Chinese Laundry

Time on Bike: 31 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 8.37 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2mph
Weight: 13st 11lb

Totals: 6 Hours 30 Minutes, 101.61 Miles, 15.63mph

Well that's the first 100 miles under my belt. Originally when I set my goal I thought I could average about 50 miles per week and then up the ante in the summer to gain the difference. As it is I've only done a week and a half and I've got miles in hand (so to speak).
Both home and the office looked like a Chinese Laundry yesterday as I was attempting (with varying degrees of success) to dry off my gear thanks to the downpours. At one point in the afternoon it looked like it had stopped and then of course it decided to pelt down for my journey home - so I went straight up Tesco Hill, like I said before I'm not in training!!
Ollie's birthday yesterday so treated to cake after rehearsals and then despite having more cake when I got home I still haven't put on any weight! Something's working (I'm really going to fat out come winter and no-bike!!)

1,898.39 to go!!!!

Rain

Time on Bike: 51 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.77 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2mph
Weight: 13st 11lbs

Totals: 5 Hours 59 Minutes, 93.24 Miles, 15.58mph

I was surprised by the rain this morning. I took yesterday off the bike because I needed to go into town to sort out a couple of things (friend's birthday gift and key to Jetty for the Quay Theatre), but I still got my exercise fix because Tuesday night is Badminton night!
Today I got up and got ready without even looking out a window until I was about to step outside and there, surprise, surprise, was the wetness. Waterproofs on I took the usual route in and for the most part I stayed dry. Socks were wet on the top but everything else survived. Now I will spend the day glancing out the office window hoping (praying?) it stops before 4:30pm.

1,906.76 to go!!!!

The Best Intentions

Time on Bike: 55 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 14.85 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 13st 13lbs

Totals: 5 Hours 8 Minutes, 79.47 Miles, 15.48 mph

The best intentions were laid waste at the weekend thanks to rain, rain, rain. It's not like I'm training for the TDF or anything. This malarkey is just for my own satisfaction so why get togged up in waterproofs and get all sweated out when you don't really have to!
This morning I added a bit onto the inward journey. It's half term so thought I might as well afford myself that bit extra. It may only be a mile but they all count!
On a personal note my second wife contacted me out of the blue. 14 years since I've seen her as well. Good old facebook / friends reunited. Your past is always trying to catch you up!!!

1,920.53 to go!!!!

You've got the look

Time on Bike: 49 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.24 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2mph
Weight: 13st 11lb

Totals: 4 Hours 13 Minutes, 64.62 Miles, 15.32 mph

Okay so I'm putting on 0.2lb a day at the moment. It has to be muscle building back up because I don't feel like I'm pigging out or anything. Come on, cereal for breakfast (oat based and organic milk!), rye bread and turkey for lunch followed by cereal type bar and an apple, omlette for tea and then an late evening snack of cheese (organic again!) and oat biscuits. It's not over doing things.
This morning after we took our daily picture (not now!) my beautiful Jacs commented how with my full cycling paraphenalia on I look like an alien. Thanks Jac. Nice! It keeps me warm - I don't care how I look....

1,935.38 Miles to go...

Lost In The Glare

Time on Bike: 51 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 13.76 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 13st 11lb

Totals: 3 Hours 24 Minutes, 51.38 Miles, 15.11 mph

Still haven't got the timing quite right leaving work yet. It takes time to get changed and get out of the office so although the trip home is just over half an hour (for those purists that read these words please remember I'm nearly 46 and just getting my legs back in for the moment) I am still finding myself racing the night. It's not great to be lost in the glare of the headlights coming in the opposite direction. Hopefully next week things will get lighter!

1,948.62 to go!!!

Wet Roads, Hot Body

Time on Bike: 53 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 14.31 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 13st 11lb

Totals: 2 Hours 33 Minutes, 37.62 Miles, 14.75 mph

Thank goodness yesterday was Tuesday when my youngest son comes to meet me at work and I needed the car so cycled home at lunchtime. During my journey to and from Lavenham it tried desparately to rain and the roads were flicking up a lot of water but thankfully it all held off and then poured during the early afternoon. Having applied some pressure to the pedals I was suitably red faced and hot bodied once I got home but only had a brief respite before I had to shower change and get back to work.
Nice Rye Bread, Turkey and Cranberry sandwiches for lunch!
This morning I carried my first lunch in my pockets - must have looked like I was pregnant in the back what with sandwiches, cake, energy bars, waterproofs, keys, mobile and watch all jostling for position - I even had to strap my trouser belt round my middle because I'd absent mindedly kept it on when leaving the office in my "home" trousers.

1,962.38 Miles to go !!!

20110215 - Captain's Log

Time on Bike: 42 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 11.34 Miles
Average Speed: 16.2 mph
Weight: 13st 9.4lb

Totals: 1 Hour 40 minutes, 23.31 Miles, 13.98 mph

Decided to include the date in the log titles. Makes more sense for when I look back on it all to gauge my progress. Short route home last night which for the sake of this log we will call the Acton lassoo. Roads were a bit bumpy and night closed fast.
I don't like to cycle in the dark because a) Traffic doesn't give a toss and b) Neither do wild animals - both think they can get in front of your wheels and plead they didn't see you! It saves on batteries for the lights anyway.
This morning it was colder. I'm heading home at lunchtime so I can get a full route in.
Amazingly despite eating bun, chocolate cake and drinking beer for the first time in 3 weeks I have still lost more weight (I know it fluctuates but bear with me!). If this continues will need to re-think the healthy food option and go for regular stodge!!

1976.69 Miles to go!

2011: New Year, New Challenge

Time on Bike: 58 Minutes
Distance Travelled: 11.97 Miles
Average Speed: 12.38 mph
Weight: 13st 10lb

Welcome Back!
It was a long and dark winter break. Snow came and went. Christmas was a festive interlude. And now here we are - Valentine's Day.
First day back on the bike was yesterday, taking in the Lavenham Loop (another loop!). The wind was slightly raised and the inclines weren't pushed - needed to bed the legs in. Of course this morning was taken steady as well since with no shower in the office I can't afford to turn up all sweaty!
Anyway, I'm back.
New Challenge - This year I'm starting from scratch (although the speedo won't reset so I'll be working it out daily!) and the intention will be to achieve..........2000 miles by this winter. It will be a tough assignment but you have to set goals!!
I have added weight to the roster as I've just come off a 2 week clean and lean diet which has seen me shed 1 stone 7lbs of Christmas binge and I want to keep an eye on the re-build of muscle versus the increase in energy intake....or maybe I just like baosting about my weight!

1,988 miles to go.....