its being too long

Well i really should have updated since my last blog poor by myself. Im now just under 3 weeks away from the week in the french hills, i think im ready im under 80kg im in good shape and im actually looking forward to it somewhat.

iv got 855euro in kind donations :  http://www.cmrf.org/sponsorshipPage/show/889  il be making the final push before i go to get up past the grand.

Well last week was a good one as my cycling goes, i managed 411km  and nearly 4,300 m of climbing, i even had a go at some climbs in the slieve bloom, as well as my usual climbs in wicklow and mixed it up playing some tennis as well.

I threw in plenty climbing loved the new wheels, back home was different having go so far to get on the climbs than in dublin, i then finally found right road to get to top, but then i got caught in the shower right in the middle of the climb at the mercy of the gods. The road up from the laois side was nice and i enjoyed a change of scene, but then i was greeted by warning sides as i got over the top, the descent was infact a mix of speed holes rather than bumps, and the road consisted mostly of a piece of tarmac in the middle of two gutters, then suddenly it became pristine tarmac before reverting back to bumpy road, my poor arms and my poor bike.

Found it harder mentally in country as less landmarks to break miles up and bigger distance between the towns and the climbs, did get some pb's thou alot easier when only a handful of people using strava.

I also managed my biggest ride and good prep for france 160km of solo riding,  1,900m of climbing id hoped to break 2,000 but took wrong turn and missed the shay elliot climb. I managed ok wasnt too tired at end so more in tank. Average speed was 24km p/h was solid with just 20mins of stops taking on the ride, got caugth in short showers both times in around roundwood reminds me of the ardenne.

This week has been quiet with other engagements and weather affecting my bike time. I did go for one climb and took plenty off my stocking lane climb as a good sign of my improvement. Planning to try get around 200km in for this week at least next week is the last week for one big big go before we leave for france.

I didnt take as many pictures, keeping a high pace and wanting get max effort meant i didnt stop too often to snap the pictures. Coping better with the distances getting the last bits ready for our trip away confirming finer details and more prep, i think i will get detail on each of the climbs for my benefit.

two below are from bottom of climb towards roundwoods from kilmashogue, a good climb, nothing too steep but long enough to test the legs a bit.

 Pictures from my cycling in the slieve bloom moutains just before the rain.

Regards
G