Sunday 9th April 2017
Only got out on the bike 3 times this week but managed 152 miles. Wednesday 60 miles to Arundel, Thursday 1 hour of hill repetitions and 82 miles yesterday in the new Forest Sportive. The New Forest is surprisingly hillier than I thought with 775 meters climbed in the 82 miles. Most of the climbs are short but steep, up to 10%, then one hill towards the end is about 500 meters long and peeked at 12%. I was going quite well at a steady pace when the chap 10 meters ahead of me stopped and fell across the road. He had cramp in both legs and could not unclip from his peddles. No choice but to stop and help him but then found that I could not get started again on such a steep incline. Had to walk the last 100 meters of the climb, fortunately I was not alone walking up. It was good to do 82 miles, which is the same as the longest leg of the big ride, without to much trouble and no bad effects this morning.
The CTC ride this Wednesday is a very hilly one to Milland – twice over the South Downs – which includes a short section that is 25%.
Weeks to go. Target Achieved
Week 19 7 hours 7.5 hours
Week 18 7 hours 8.5 hours
Week 17 8 hours 8 hours
Week 16 9 hours. 9 hours
Week 15 10 hours 10.5 hours
Week 14 10 hours 10 hours
Week 13 100 miles 91 miles
Week 12. 110 miles 132 miles – 1975 meters of climbing.
Week 11 120 miles 84 miles – 1001 meters climbing.
Week 10. 130 miles 130 miles – 1425 meters of climbing
Week 9 140 miles 152 miles – 1,339 meters of climbing
Week 8 120 miles + 3 hours of hill repetitions
Week 7 120 miles + 3 hours of hill repetitions
Weight still going down but a little disappointed when I checked the NHS chart for my BMI and it shows that I am still over weight. Still nearly down to what the NHS class as normal.
Main event for the coming week, apart from 120 miles and 3 hours up and down hills, is that the bike is going in for a major service to ensure it is capable for the task ahead.