the day of a hundred and fifty k

Well monday went well and with the last of the sun for the week per the forecast i decided haven missed out on the mick byrne on the sunday, i would get out for my own ride and get in at least 140km and test the legs.

I headed out kildare finding a new way to get to newbridge, that was 55km in so decided i wouldnt wait too long for lunch, before naas i pulled in to petrol stations got myself a warm chicken roll (brown roll of course), a well deserved muffin (which i made a mess of eating on the bike) and a cool drink. That went down well and i took my time to naas to let it settle, i then set bit of a pace on road to blessington, wanted do full lap of lakes but didnt know which road i needed get off from that side, so just crossed over the middle of lake and headed back to manor kilbride. So about 90km in i decided hell i may climb up the sally gap and do a proper climb.

So up i struggled a bit of rolling at bottom which i found though with wind as couldnt really get a rhythm, i knocked back an energy gel knowing this would be place id need it, the final 2km of the climb ramp up a bit and the howling wind in the gap was hitting me i pushed for the last bit and needed the liquids by the top, i was low on water at this stage from the work on final part of the climb, my first time tracking myself climbing from that side.

Then did some lovely descending, one scary steep part with some sharp bends. Set PB's on the climbs in between smallish enough climbs nothing too steep all manageable with the wind being slightly with me on them. Then rolled a lovely descent down back into dublin, should topped up liquid really and did another bit of climbing, home just before 5.30pm, 6 and half hours out, 6hours rollings, just under 150km a great days work for me, took it easy next day just commuting see how body reacted.

Back out then this Wednesday night to do Stocking Lane climb, took bit off my full climb time, and good bit off the final part of the climb, althou i didnt feel strong i know im improving so was bound keep improving my times.

Some of my route took me along the canal lovely little detour,

Picture on way up to Sally Gap, the source of the liffey starts here. A few km to the top

Now all i need is the bloody LBS to finally give me a price list for wheels.

The weekends short rides

After fridays 100km go, i decided just to tick over for the weekend, with few other things going on, in particular getting home to watch the giro and my good man ryder hesjedal who managed win at 50/1 a rich return for me.

Don't forget to donate at  http://www.cmrf.org/sponsorshipPage/show/889, thanks to those that already have.

Saturday was short and sweet, wanting get home in good time and haven not woken up to early either,  Just 27km, a climb up the cruagh road again but just to the carpark see how i would be compared to yesterday, about 10sec slower proving theory that i probably have more power and energy on my evening spins than early in morning. I did post better times on steeper parts of climb which was a good sign, and the time was nearly same anyway for the whole climb. Im up their in the rankings anyway despite not thinking im much of climber.

Sunday i changed it up, the sun was great so i headed out the blessington road, half away i decided to go hammer and nails all way into the town, averaging about 37km ph with the nice wind at my back, was great feeling with the speed i was getting up, passed a few on my way, then got down to lake took some photos of lakes, and headed back thru back roads and took in a climb before getting back home,  55km ride with not much climbing really, the weather has been just fantastic.

Delighted improve my time on some of the segments i dont get out to that much, the improvements their more power less weight its all good, lots of work to be done anyway nothing in france can be really prepared for fully here.

Some pictures from two days, some blessington lakes and views from top of the climbs.

even when your not at your strongest you can still be near your best

Well today i went out twice, a nice ride just under 70km with Colm, a nice pace, lovely weather and a bit of chat along the way an enjoyable ride great having bit of chat on way, alot of my distance has been solo so a nice change, then went out in evening to push it and see how i cope with cruagh road its been a while since i gave it a go, the results were good.

The morning started with meeting up to ride some of flat roads of kildare, we hit athgoe hill were we set good pace and both set a good time, we then did some backroads headed to naas then came back from the other back roads, good pace but fierce wind coming back, and a bit of drag too so a test of ones legs. A good spin that flew for me and by god some serious weather too, the tan line is getting worse but thats a sign of ones commitment to the cause.

Decided go out in the evening before dinner and do the cruagh road and see were my level was at, didnt feel too good, and wouldnt say i pushed the limits but i did push on, on the old bike i was impressed to take a minute and half off my time for the cruagh road climb, and about 2 minutes off the full climb, delighted as didn't expect it would be that much if i did improve my times, it was hot their but think iv gotten more resistant to the heat on the bike and a more consistent pedalling style on climbs to keep the pedals spinning at an even tempo.

All going well really, logging good miles, getting my weight down, eating well and having a bit of treat here and their. Going relax Saturday head out when i get up for little while and enjoy what should be a great cycling stage in the giro. Hoping we can get nearer the grand mark for money raised before i go fund raising has stalled a little. 2 months till the trip and i have say im feeling prepared my climbing is better and im strong, and my arse has gotten use to that poor excuse for a seat called a saddle.

Before the picture i leave with a little climbing poem;

The climb is steep,
the pace is hard,
if you can go quicker,
the pain will be over,
but your breath will be heavy,
and sweat will drip down your brow,
you'll ask yourself why,
but deep down you'll know,
the legs will hurt,
your back will be sore,
but as long as you finish,
you should be happy for sure.
The mountain rose thru the clouds,
but your not at top of it all.

My first illness

Well wednesday i didnt go for proper cycle i felt bit ill tuesday night so decided be no harm giving myself a break, so did a few km's of commuting, then broke out 41km around the phoneix all very relaxed and took plenty pictures too, must go back and set some times, didnt do so bad on the straight thru from the heuston side to the castleknock side.

The Phoneix Park is an amazing facility it is something else, such hugh park area, and they have blocked off a good part from cars which is nice. Althou the cycling lane in parts could be better and i just used the side of road, cycling on the paths isn't advised too many runners and even cyclists going the wrong way.

Feeling a bit better now found a new hill i avn't done and must give getting up to stocking lane from tallaght a go too, iv been down it and it was steep so no doubt im putting myself in for a world of hurt their. Some of my raid partners are doing the 200km in WIcklow this weekend i decided not opt in as wanted get in the end of giro so will try get in 80-100 km myself, then cheer on my 50/1 bet on Hesjedal.

A few photos from the phoneix park.

and dont forget to sponsor if you haven't had a chance :  http://www.cmrf.org/sponsorshipPage/show/889

A sunny start

Well over monday and tuesday i covered 125km,  1,052 metres of climbing.

Monday i spilt the day in two a short morning ride, then came back for bit of test cricket, then went out again in afternoon, pity being idiot i am i changed my bike but forgot to change my saddle bag onto it so fearing a puncture in middle of nowhere i went back towards the city earlier than planned, set some good times taking the best times on two lengths segments which pleased me on the heavier bike. Still not totally happy with the wheels on my lighter bike they flex far too much and i get brake rubbing costing me effort especially out of the saddle.

Really enjoyed been out in shorts and short sleeve jersey, been such nice two days, and not needing to struggle up a steep climb just to be warm. Monday was decen with 80km covered althou would liked to have gotten upto a 100km.

Tuesday didnt stat so well i felt bit pain in my throat, so i went for short spin wearing thermal layer just in case i got cold, took it off as i overheated quickly on short climb, i then decided to send myself up kilmashogue lane, or as i like to call it hells lane. The final 700 metres are at 13% a killer for someone of my size and with my bike setup just wasn't suited to the task, i got off for final 200 metres as just didn't have it, not something i do often but this was test too much for me, and i was overheating easily anyway with my slight temperature.

The full lane is 2.5km at just under 10% it has 2flat spots, and one slight downhill, the downhill is like a teaser at the end of which you meet the massive ramp, your body thinks the pain might just be over but in fact its only getting started. The tarmac is overly smooth too much swaying and the back wheel looses its traction, my tactic up the rant was to try sway across the road, and to think the worst part isn't even the worse, the downhill is lethal the brakes cant cope the road is narrow and theirs one or two sharp bends to booth puts me off climbing it again really may walk down first part next time.

Took her handy today with that test on the lane, come home and ate but not feeling the best may give tomorrow a miss and try get over this, and make the purchase of some new wheels, i notice i tend get more waves out on bike from the kids and the old men on side road on the flashy carbon bike, so on that aspect worth every penny.

looking down on N7 from castlewarden fly over

 Looking down over dublin from south of m50

 Views from the top of the lane, notice the height on 2nd picture looking down the lane.

Thoughts and musings from a under preforming week 20th May 2012

Well this week wasnt what it should have been didn't break 300km, which was bit of let down really but weather had just been annoying me and i havn't pushed myself so plan to now get a good week in next week. a 150km day will have to be filled in somewhere, their will be a 200km day in France so i'll need to prepare the legs for that.

263km for the week, with 2,429 metres of climbing which isnt too much. I plan to weather allowing go for big climbing day soon, today i had leisurely 75km cycling in wicklow, didnt push too hard which wil be the kind of tempo i need for when i go to france, always ride within my limits, except on the tourmalet were i fully expect to break every muscle in my body to get to the top.

The legs feel good enough, im still much stronger climbing out of the saddle than in, but on less steep slopes i can just churn the gear in the saddle and keep the pace up, weight is at 83-84kg mark, with distances im getting in i would be surprised if i let for France in the 80kg range, id expect to be lower.

Got out on the old bike this week, extra weight is noticeable takes bit more to keep her ticking along. I have done alot more miles on the new bike, but in wet i prefer the heavier bike as she tends to handle it all bit better.

With the poorish weather and limited distance i did i didnt even get in extra pictures so none this week but will plan to get them in for next week. Keep the pedals turning and dont let the mountains kill me.

Regards G

A bit of track and a bit of adventure 16th May 2012

 First if you havnt had chance to donate as part of my trip please do, click: Charity donations Page

Another 60km day or so from me kept more towards south kildare and dublin so bit more hills today, climbing well and improving my times on climbs without hammering it, the weight loss is noticeable as is my increased fitness i can push on without been out breath by top.

Also took spin out to the local closed circuit. A 1.1km track managed a lap at 40.5 km p/h that hurt a little, interesting to try but after 5-6laps. I decided get back on the road proper Doing stretchs now and core work in even to find some extra improvement should make a difference on the long climbs in France that just cant be replicated over here.

Cooking plenty, and eating just as much as well, allowing yourself a treat every once in while is no harm, all with moderation these days.

Click the pictures if you want them up as gallery, first 3 are from the closed circuit, last 3 look down on west dublin from a climb out of Saggart, decent test of a climb but nothing a man of my great ability cant handle.

Weather is mixed for Thursday so may be day off bar maybe the commute to tennis this evening.

Regards
G

A day in the hills of Kildare 15th May 2012

Well after a monday off the bike it was a return to the saddle on a rather chilly monday, im certainly not training in Spain, and every day im reminded of it, short sleeves and shorts weren't such a great choice of clothing options.

Just under 61km down 448m of climbing so flat enough course thru some backroad with 1or2 nice climbs which i put some good times in on. The weight is starting to come off and 80kg will be more than makeable. Stopped off in celebridge for the days picture.

Not much excitement otherwise on for another 300km + week anyhow. No plans for over 100km this week unless weather picks up happy keep ticking over.

Regards
Gh

A day out of the saddle(Monday14th May 2012)

Well today the first day off the bike in almost a week, did give her a clean thou much needed after over 300km week before, shiny again and looking pretty, more so than the bloke on it.

Was going head out for 15-20km didnt allow but decided just do stretchs especially a new stretch id read about especially useful for cyclists after long week in saddle. Went shopping and have noticed im buying an alarming amount of fruit and veg compared to what i used to and am even trying cut down on the cheese alot. Im current 84.5kg and hoping be under 80kg when i board that plane to france, ideal weight being in the 75-80kg range any lighter would be too much lost, and i assume i will lose 3-5kg during the trip anyway.

Also looking like il be making the expensive purchase of some light alu wheels as current have good training wheels and carbon rims which flex more than a rubber ruler on the climbs.

Hoping get some km's in tommorow if i can get up early.

Signing off
G

Weekend 12th and 13th of May 2012

Well after fridays exploits i was wrecked to say the least, 2 bottles of beers as a treat after dinner and i was off to bed for a good coma.

I hadnt planned to ride on saturday, but after watching the giro and with the sun shining i decided id get out and spin the legs. Just did single hill climb and forgot my keys to get back in house so cycled to friends house to wait to get back in, thank god he fed me even 38km i did had me hungry, i reckon i cycle just so i can eat more.

Did ok on the climb holding back bit as was just looking to stretch the legs, decided thou to give it go on a sprint section and small hill climb, 2nd best time on sprint and a PB on the small hill 38th of 90 on the rnakings. This is good sign that my power is still their after yesterdays exertions.

I decided go out sunday to for while no harm to tick over and i quiet enjoy the shorter rides. 52km with two cat 3 climbs thrown in, was just turning pedals, althou the fact i had passed someone on way up meant i couldnt ease off and let him reel me in bit. More confident on decent today which was good.

Lapped up towards johnie foxes and gave the climb their a good even pace to set my PB, i plan to go up their up more often and give it proper go on that climb. Set PB on another hill i attacked. 37th of 141, short hills are my thing it seems. Im still fighting with trying climb more in saddle but iv become so comfortable out of it its my default setting.

so 90km for weekend with 1360m of climbing more than i had been doing:

I stopepd for more photos this weekend some the usual from the car park, but also some looking down on the coast from climbs past dundrum.

Weekly total :  391km, 3,882metres climbing.
Total since March: 2,007km  20,780metres climbing

Signing of watching golf and cycling might be a day off tomorrow as other plans.

G