tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2009-11-13:/In training for the Big Battlefield Bike Ride, 350 miles cycle across northern France in May 2008, in aid of the Help for Heroes charity.MokoFeed2009-11-13T02:04:13+01:00tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-07-04:/2008/07/04/sunday-1st-june-4402975/trw9992008-07-04T12:45:10+02:002008-07-04T12:45:10+02:00 <p>We were taken by coach after breakfast to Blackheath. After a coffee break we then set off in small groups and wound our way through London to arrive in Whitehall Place to the applause of a gathering crowd. </p> <p>At the Cenotaph the Headley Court team formed part of another wreath laying ceremony. Once the ceremony finished, the rest of the riders all followed them through the crowds and into Horse Guards, where the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Richard Dannatt spoke to us all on the importance of Headley Court and the bravery of the members of the Armed Forces. </p> <p>The 300 riders raised £1.5 million pounds for Help For Heroes, a staggering amount. For me it had been an enjoyable and stimulating cycle ride, made remarkable by the many wonderful and inspirational people I met and chatted to. I am already considering what to do next – the desert beckons!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/sunday-1st-june-4402975/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-07-04:/2008/07/04/saturday-31st-may-4402945/trw9992008-07-04T12:35:03+02:002008-07-04T12:35:03+02:00 <p>55 miles</p> <p>We set off early for our final day’s ride. We had to be in Dunkirk by 1.00pm. It was a lovely early summer morning and we saw the sun rising over the mist laden fields as we swept along the country roads. It was dry and the sun was soon the hottest it had been on the ride. </p> <p>By 8.00am we felt we were in need of a chocolat stop. As we entered a likely looking town, we had to stop at traffic lights. Trying to anticipate the lights turning green, I failed to unclip my pedal and gently fell over. After much laughing we found a small tabac and sat in the sunshine with our steaming mugs, watching some of the other early riders struggle past. Then again at about 11.00am a mass of riders descended on another tabac to enjoy coffee and chocolat, by now getting the idea behind the ride! </p> <p>Eventually we reached Dunkirk, where we were given lunch and then boarded landing craft from a ramp on the port. Four of these landing craft took 70 cyclists each out to HMS Bulwark, which was waiting in deeper waters. We entered the hull of the ship at the stern, which had been lowered into the sea, the water drained out and we were aboard. The Captain and the crew of the ship, a combination of the Royal Navy and the Royal Marines, welcomed us. </p> <p>The memorial service on the flight deck was conducted by the ships Padre and one of the riders, Richard Burge, read an extract from his Grandfather’s diary; he had been rescued on D day. A wreath was thrown overboard in remembrance. Another moving occasion. </p> <p>We were then given cakes and ale and some went on tours of the ship. The ship arrived at Dover Harbour, we were embarked again on the landing craft and then taken to ‘invade’ the shingle beach. The reception was fantastic, with locals and supporters watching as we walked off the craft, surrounded by the Royal Marines and waiting press. The Red Devils then gave a spectacular display, parachuting in formation into the sea. </p> <p>All of us then came together for a celebratory supper. Unbelievably, it was chicken again. There were some excellent speeches and a most amusing auction. The items sold included Rory’s cycling shirt, a pair of Royal Marines cycling shorts and Peta (The Suns page 3 girl)s shorts and bicycle! </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/saturday-31st-may-4402945/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-07-04:/2008/07/04/friday-30th-may-4402807/trw9992008-07-04T11:59:52+02:002008-07-04T11:59:52+02:00 <p>76 miles</p> <p>With the sun doing its best to burn through the mist and the temperature up, we made our way over the River Somme and climbed up onto the plain through peaceful villages, and from now on the roads would be mostly long and straight. We made our way to the Great War memorial at Thiepval. </p> <p>The gates opened specially for us all as the memorial was closed for refurbishment at the time of our visit. We all made our way up to this most commanding of memorials. Designed by Lutyens and dedicated to the missing, some 70,000 names are inscribed on the arches. The Royal Signals squadron supporting the ride with communications led an especially moving ceremony with four riders officiating. This was one of the highlights of the ride and a first visit for many riders. </p> <p>Lunch was in the small village of Ransart, where we stopped at a school. The local press came out to see us in the form of an avuncular old boy who insisted on taking many formal photographs just as we wanted to get some food inside us. The legs were noticeably tired today and matters were made worse in that not only did I neglect to find a suitable afternoon chocolat stop, but I also took a wrong turning and went a mile out of the way. The only excuse I had was that I was nattering away to another rider at the time! </p> <p>The hotel in Bethune we were in was not up to much and when we discovered that the evening meal was chicken, we decided we had earned a decent meal out. So we got into a taxi, had a drink in the square of Bethune and met up with some of the other riders. We charged into the nearest café and all ordered steak. Not a great success, unfortunately – do they still serve horse in France?</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/friday-30th-may-4402807/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-07-04:/2008/07/04/thursday-29th-may-4402791/trw9992008-07-04T11:55:55+02:002008-07-04T11:57:18+02:00 <p>81 miles</p> <p>The day started off bright as we left Dieppe but the rain soon appeared and with it the punctures. We were now in Picardy and on more flat areas but still some shocking hills, one being up a dual carriageway shortly after one of our Naafi breaks. The side of the road was littered with people waiting to have tyres fixed and the backup vans were doing sterling service in the pouring rain. I suffered another puncture, though fortunately I was right by the backup van at the time.</p> <p>We did stop at Grandcourt, a small cemetery predominantly for Scottish and Canadian soldiers. As we stopped the sun came out and the beautifully tended graves were striking in white against the lush countryside. Apparently the site was a field hospital which had to be evacuated and moved. Therefore all of the graves are named as the soldiers were identified when they were admitted. After, we had some fairly steep gradients to climb and just before lunch there was an especially steep hill, which had most riders pushing themselves to their limits.</p> <p>After lunch we carried on pedalling into a head wind and the rain. I went on to recce a chocolat stop in a roadside café, utilitarian enough to allow us to drip and perspire all over the table. Then onwards, by now entirely soaked through, though I had plastic bags over my socks to stop the wind-chill getting to my toes. I also had fun ‘draughting’ behind and then in front of the fittest of the Headley Court team, a sailor who had lost his leg below the knee. Mind you, I gave him 25 odd years! Then we arrived in Amiens. This is a large industrial town, so much so that as we entered we were greeted by the organisers and told we still had six miles before we reached our hotel. The evening meal was chicken.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/07/04/thursday-29th-may-4402791/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-06-20:/2008/06/20/wednesday-28th-may-4341371/trw9992008-06-20T17:41:37+02:002008-06-20T17:41:37+02:00 <p>80 miles</p> <p>As we headed out of Le Havre, following the ubiquitous orange markers the organisers used to mark the route, we passed through a tunnel littered with glass and debris. Needless to say there were numerous punctures and the day seemed to be littered with riders stopping to repair their tyres. It was at this point that we passed and then stopped to help Miss Peta Todd, the Sun’s Page 3 Girl who whose doing the ride. </p> <p>The first memorial site visited was at Fontaine La Malet. The site was the battleground high above Le Havre. A Churchill Tank was suitably situated with an anti tank ditch over which was placed a replica of an assault bridge. Adjacent to this a memorial wall had been constructed, housing all the Memorial Plaques and badges which were originally present.</p> <p>Onwards and I was riding fast and easy, my mucker was doing a steady Norfolk pace. Whence we came upon a group starting to form on a lane, where all riders had been stopped as the route markers had been moved and the riders were about to head off into a forest! The impromptu stop seemed to help morale for those who needed it, especially in a beautiful spot. Normandy was proving to be delightful countryside. However, my riding buddy had his first puncture, so the score was one all.</p> <p>Lunch was a damp squib as the clouds which had been threatening all morning opened and the wind got up. We huddled under the mean shelter until we decided enough was enough and moved off. As we ascended away from St Valerie en Caux the roads opened up into beautiful countryside and the sun broke through. Through picturesque villages the two of us spun until, mid afternoon, we heard the call of a cup of chocolate. So turning off the designated route we used our initiative and rode into the lovely seaside village of Veules les Roses and found the delightful Hotel Douce France. Here we were able to take our time in the rose-bordered courtyard, in bright sunshine, whilst we gratefully answered the call of a marvellous cup of home made chocolat.</p> <p>On to Dieppe, journeying up a large cliff face and down the other side into the well known resort. As we came to a stop on the outskirts to be directed to our hotels, we were told to turn right at the next lights. As we did so we were greeted by the sight of a mile long very steep hill climb to our particular hotel. Not a good way to finish the day! The evening meal was chicken.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/06/20/wednesday-28th-may-4341371/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-06-20:/2008/06/20/tuesday-27th-may-4341365/trw9992008-06-20T17:39:56+02:002008-06-20T17:39:56+02:00 <p>57 miles</p> <p>Arriving early at Ouistreham some 300 cyclists left the ferry and within ten metres the first puncture occurred. There were to be many more! A short ride bought us up at Pegasus Bridge, the D Day objective of the airborne forces led by Major John Howard. Following our first taste of the wonderful roadside catering that was laid on for us every twenty five kilometres or so we were given an illuminating and animated talk on the operation to capture the bridge by one of six Guild of Battlefield Guides who accompanied us. There was then a short ceremony where Mme Arlette Gondree, whose house, now the Pegasus Bridge Café, was the first to be liberated by allied troops, when she was four, handed a wreath to Sgt Stu Pearson, one of the Headley Court team who placed it on the memorial. One of the riders, General Richard Shirreff and Mme Gondree both spoke on the importance of the allied relationship.</p> <p>We left Pegasus Bridge and knew we were in France when we soon found ourselves cycling along one of those quintessential long, straight poplar-lined roads. The team spirit was fantastic and lasted the entire ride. People were pushing each other up hills, helping each other mend punctures and sharing food and water bottles. It was also always interesting to talk to riders as we pedalled along, finding out what had motivated them to join the ride, what training they had or had not done, what stories they had.</p> <p>At the lunch stop we had a surprise visit from the TV journalist Jeremy Bowen, who happened to be on a family holiday in the village we were in. Soon after lunch we found ourselves on a long downhill stretch. A puncture on the front tyre bought me to a halt near the top of this hill. Unable to get my gas cylinder to operate to blow up the new inner tube, I was delighted to find my old mate had walked back up the hill to help me out. After a session of stop/start cycling, we hit a windy path over the huge and impressive Pont de Normandie and then on through the city of Le Havre, avoiding some stiking French fishermen. We arrived at our hotel ready for a cup of tea and a bath. The reality of this challenge was brought home when a chap crashed into a culvert, breaking five ribs and needing stitches. Sadly he had to return to the UK. The evening meal was chicken.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/06/20/tuesday-27th-may-4341365/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-06-20:/2008/06/20/monday-26th-may-4341352/trw9992008-06-20T17:37:02+02:002008-06-20T17:37:02+02:00 <p>2 miles</p> <p>The journey to Portsmouth did not bode well. It poured with rain until we topped the South Downs and we feared we were in for a very wet ride. I am doing this ride with 300 others, one of whom is an old friend of mine. However, by the time we stopped and unloaded both our bikes the sun was out. We assembled at HMS Victory for a send off by the Red Arrows and the Band of the Royal Marines. We only had to cycle two miles to get to the ferry but it was a case of rush to wait, as we were held on the quayside for over an hour before being allowed to board the ferry that would takes us overnight to France.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/06/20/monday-26th-may-4341352/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-05-25:/2008/05/25/week-ending-25-may-4220718/trw9992008-05-25T19:00:40+02:002008-05-25T19:00:40+02:00 <p>Days ridden: 4<br> Miles ridden: 24.2<br> Average mph: 15.4</p> <p>Just time to squeeze in this report before we depart for the ride tomorrow. This week has been spinning along doing short distances to keep the legs toned and at an easy pace too. The bike was thoroughly cleaned and serviced on Thursday and is now ready to be loaded into the wagon for the journey to Portsmouth tomorrow.</p> <p>I am busy packing my kit and attempting to ensure I have not forgotten anything essential. Like the passport ... that reminds me. One very good item of news I have just heard is that the 300 riders on the ride have raised £1 million for Help for Heroes, which is just terrific. A great boost as we set off.</p> <p>Next time I report it will be with the ride behind me, unless I get to a computer to make an interim posting. Here we go......</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/05/25/week-ending-25-may-4220718/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-05-19:/2008/05/19/week-ending-18-may-4194755/trw9992008-05-19T17:59:30+02:002008-05-19T17:59:30+02:00 <p>Days ridden: 4<br> Miles ridden: 167.2<br> Average mph: 16.3</p> <p>Inevitably, no sooner had I started to wax lyrical about the weather than it gets worse. I certainly felt colder on Saturday, when I did 55 miles and on Sunday, when I did 74 miles. In fact Saturday was worse as it was spitting with rain for a good deal of the ride. I was only wearing shorts, cycling tee and shell top. My feet got wet, then cold, then unfeelable! I finished that ride at about 7.15pm and needed the hot bath to restore circulation. I had an extra layer on top on Sunday and could still feel the chill, but at least it was dry. In fact doing the 74 miles was a better ride all round. I felt good and my juice mixture and cereal bar refuelling works fine now. </p> <p>I came upon a couple cycling on Sunday who are doing the London to Paris charity ride later in the summer. They are raising money for the Royal Marsden and had hoped to be doing it with a friend of theirs. Unfortunately he died from cancer recently so they are riding in his memory. </p> <p>This time next week I shall be putting my now finely tuned body through its paces on the ride. I assume I am presently at the peak of fitness having religiously followed the designated training regime. This week I am out each morning doing alternate 5 and 10 mile circuits, just spinning to keep the legs ready for action. I am not taking a laptop with me so unless I can grab a computer somewhere en-route I shall have to report on the ride once I am back. I intend to write up each day so that not an ache, sprain or battlefield is missed!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/05/19/week-ending-18-may-4194755/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-05-14:/2008/05/14/week-ending-11-may-4172885/trw9992008-05-14T13:46:04+02:002008-05-14T13:46:04+02:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 105.1<br> Average mph: 16.9</p> <p>I have had three good training rides in wonderful weather this week. The early mornings have been marvellous, warm without being hot, still a wee nip in the air and the countryside looking superb; verdant, radiant and alive with bird song. Makes you feel very glad and grateful to be alive. This is one of the joys of cycling. Mind you, I have always thought that early morning is the best time of the day. It is made better by a clear sky and glowing sun.</p> <p>The weekend saw most riding activity. I went out for 25 miles on Saturday morning and we then went sailing, finishing a satisfying seventh out of thirteen in our race, in lovely conditions. Then on Sunday it was up early to race on a sparkling sea with just the right amount of wind. We again finished seventh out of a dozen boats enjoying the perfect sailing weather. After a quick drink it was onto the bike for a 65 mile ride back home. It went better than the previous 60 mile ride I did, largely I suspect due to my new rocket-fuel drink. In addition to the grapefruit squash and pinch of natural salt in my drink, I have added some potassium (from Lo-Salt substitute) and some dextrose powder. Seems to keep me going! After about 25 miles I passed two rather professional looking riders out on their Sunday afternoon road ride, which made me feel good about my performance.</p> <p>Not long to go to the ride now. I have been really bucked by the response to my last e-mailing asking for sponsorship and have now to find some £500 to reach my fundraising target of £7500. It will be marvellous to go to France with the target reached. A very large thank you to all who have so generously contributed to Help for Heroes so far!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/05/14/week-ending-11-may-4172885/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-05-06:/2008/05/06/week-ending-5-may-4138664/trw9992008-05-06T15:13:51+02:002008-05-06T15:13:51+02:00 <p>Days ridden: 4<br> Miles ridden: 124.5<br> Average mph: 16.5</p> <p>Couple of good 25 mile training rides this week and then 60 miles. We had some friends staying for the Bank Holiday weekend so I did not get to do the long ride on Sunday, but on the Monday. It was warm, sunny and with a cooling wind. The first 50 miles I felt fine, then not so good for the final ten. I was stopping every 20 miles for a small feed and 5 minute rest, so I do not think I was running out of fuel. I might have been lacking some vital-to-me ingredient though, so I shall have to experiment a little there. I have also tended now to keep my speed down and get into a touring rhythm, which accounts for my average speed coming down. </p> <p>Since we have only a couple of weeks to go before we set off, I thought I should annoy my friends again with another e-mail to get those who have not yet sponsored me to do so.</p> <p>‘In only three weeks time I shall be cycling around the battlefields of northern France for Help for Heroes. Being the persistent guy that I am, I felt it my duty to give those of you who have not yet got around to sponsoring me the chance to do so before the big ride! </p> <p>Despite the recent announcement by the government that they will be funding Headley Court with £24 million, Help for Heroes still needs to raise £6 million for the much needed hydrotherapy pool. They have already collected a marvellous £4.5 million in six months.</p> <p>My fellow Viking Julian Pollard and I will be riding our bicycles with 298 others from Caen to Dunkirk, visiting a number of battlefield sites on the way. This is a distance of 350 miles, to be covered in five days from the 26th of this month. You can find out more at <a href="http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/bbbr.html.">http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/bbbr.html.</a></p> <p>I have been following a training regime which has me cycling four times a week, working up the distances I ride. I am feeling the benefits now and it becomes easier the more miles I do – honestly! If you feel so inclined, you can read my weekly training blog at <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk">http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk</a> </p> <p>Thank you again to all of you have kindly donated to Help for Heroes so far. What I would dearly like is for those of you who are hesitating before donating, to contact me and let’s see if I can go to France having reached my personal target of £7,500. Or you can donate easily at <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/timwilkes’">www.justgiving.com/timwilkes’</a></p> <p>Next weekend I have two days in the saddle doing a 25 miles followed by 65 miles ride. Gearing myself up for that!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/05/06/week-ending-5-may-4138664/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-04-28:/2008/04/28/week-ending-27-april-4105876/trw9992008-04-28T16:20:32+02:002008-04-28T16:29:47+02:00 <p>Days ridden: 4<br> Miles ridden: 108<br> Average mph: 17.0</p> <p>Fifty five miles this last Sunday and I felt better than when I did the fifty mile ride last week. The weather was warm, with light wind and occasional large drops of rain. It took me just over three hours and I averaged 17.6 mph, which I was pleased with. I feel the training programme is effective and my body is not complaining – too much. We had a good couple of days sailing, coming second in our race on Saturday. Once we finished the Sunday race, I had some juice at the bar, got changed and mounted up on the bike. I left Burnham and rode around Maldon, then on to Hatfield Peveral, Therling, Great Leighs, Pleshing, High Easter, High Roding, Takely then nearly up to Thaxted before turning for home through Great Easton. It was a very pleasant ride through the burgeoning late spring Essex countryside.</p> <p>On these long rides I take a water bottle of diluted Robinsons grapefruit juice with a pinch of natural salt, which I swig from every 15 minutes to keep hydrated and to replace the sodium I loose. Then every hour I get off the bike to ease the legs and feet a bit as well as to have some banana and muesli bar. This gives me some carbs and other goodies to keep me fuelled up on the ride. I have not perfected the skill of the professional riders, who apparently can pull their food out of their back pockets, peal off the wrapper and consume without missing so much as a single pedal rotation. Mmm, not me!</p> <p>This time next month I shall be pedalling through northern France. I’m looking forward to it as it gets closer. I need to do some extra reading on the battlefield areas we shall be visiting. It will be that much more interesting to be able to put the places we see into an historical context. I expect that we will have some knowledgeable military historians riding with us, though not, unfortunately, Richard Holmes on his horse!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/04/28/week-ending-27-april-4105876/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-04-21:/2008/04/21/week-ending-20-april-4074038/trw9992008-04-21T14:31:23+02:002008-04-21T14:31:23+02:00 <p>Days ridden: 4<br> Miles ridden: 95<br> Average mph: 16.3</p> <p>I have to say it took me a while to get into my stride on the 50 miles ride I did on Sunday. The wedding and birthday party on Saturday did not help and I paid for it! However, I managed to do the 50 miles and felt that another 20 was within reach. 73 miles in one day is our maximum on the now re-named Halfords Help for Heroes Ride. My ride was roughly circular, to Rayne in the east, Finchingfield in the north, Takeley to the west and Howe Street to the south. Finding these routes takes time pouring over the Ordnance Survey map with map-measurer in hand.</p> <p>Speaking of which, the itinerary for the ride has changed a little. We will now be finishing the French leg in Dunkirk and be taken across the Channel by HMS Bulwark, before storming the beach at Dover from landing craft, 68 years to the day since the return of the BEF from Dunkirk in Operation Dynamo. I also gather we shall be pipped across Pegusus Bridge by the Ghurkha Band on day one and that the Red Arrows will fly over us all at some stage. Sounds as if we are in for a very interesting ride.</p> <p>Training this week has included some consecutive days, for the first time. More next week too. I find that it is not too bad, I am not suffering from rubbing or sores in the saddle area, just my sit bones feel a little bruised. Early mornings have remained chilly and I am still in my long tights rather than shorts, my winter gloves and waterproof cycling jacket. I have started wearing sun glasses or clear glasses on my long rides as you might be surprised at how many flying insects manage to hit you in the face! Only swallowed one so far though.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/04/21/week-ending-20-april-4074038/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-04-14:/2008/04/14/week-ending-13-april-4043241/trw9992008-04-14T15:59:59+02:002008-04-14T15:59:59+02:00 <p>Days ridden: 4<br> Miles ridden: 76<br> Average mph: 17.1</p> <p>Oh dear! I certainly spoke too soon about the weather. More snow and freezing early morning temperatures saw me dressed up in the warm kit again. It was out on the mountain bike on Monday. I was supposed to ride 15 miles for my training schedule, which I did and at a satisfying average speed too. On Wednesday it was back on the road bike for another 15 miles. Again, it was cold enough to freeze the computer on the bike; I still have not found a good way to “freeze proof” it yet. Things were warmer on Friday for a quick five miles before I tackled 40 miles on Saturday. I managed to do this in two hours and ten minutes, at an average speed of 18.5mph.</p> <p>I have discovered a rather fun website that allows you to draw up a planned route, for running, cycling or driving. It is <a href="http://www.sanoodi.com.">www.sanoodi.com.</a> What it has shown me is that most of the rides I am doing to Burnham on a Saturday are actually downhill overall. No wonder my average speed is better on these rides, particularly when the prevailing wind is behind me!</p> <p>Next week I am due to do a 50 mile ride on Sunday. Just as well, as on Saturday we have a family wedding in Hertfordshire, followed by a dash to Kent for a friend’s 60th birthday dinner.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/04/14/week-ending-13-april-4043241/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-04-06:/2008/04/06/week-ending-6-april-4004126/trw9992008-04-06T18:53:24+02:002008-04-06T18:53:24+02:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 60<br> Average mph: 18</p> <p>Look at that average speed! I’m obviously getting into the groove now and the training is paying off! I’ll bet it drops next week – oh, well, onwards. Actually, I impressed myself by doing my Saturday long run of 37.5 miles at an average 19.3mph. I didn’t feel too bad after the ride so my faith in the Help for Heroes training guide has increased somewhat. Conditions this week have been good, not too much wind, pleasant temperatures and even some sunshine. I am even doing my early morning rides in my cycling jersey, having shrugged off the waterproof jacket as being too warm. I’ll soon be doing these rides in my shorts at this rate.</p> <p>Third e-mail shot, sent out 3 April:</p> <p>Again, a huge thank you to the many of you who have so kindly and generously made donations to Help for Heroes, the fantastic new charity. They have already reached an incredible £3.9 million towards their target of £6 million for much needed facilities and equipment at Headley Court rehabilitation centre. As for my target of £7,500 we are at a marvellous £5,145 as I write, which is tremendous.</p> <p>My fellow Viking Julian Pollard and I will be riding our bicycles with 298 others from Le Havre to Calais, visiting a number of battlefield sites on the way. This is a distance of 350 miles, to be covered in six days in late May 2008. You can find out more at <a href="http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/bbbr.html.">http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/bbbr.html.</a> </p> <p>Unlike young Julian, I am now well into my training regime. In fact I am bang up to date as you can read my weekly blog at <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk">http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk</a> I am doing an additional ride at the weekends, of longer distances, honing my muscles – though it does not feel like it! For those of you who have expressed an interest in Lycra, my new wardrobe is coming on. There are some pictures on the blog, with more to follow!</p> <p>Some of the injured are from the battalion I served in from 1974 to 1985, 1 Royal Anglian (The Vikings). They returned from a tour in Afghanistan last autumn. They lost nine members, had 57 battle casualties and over 70 other injured. The operation awards were announced recently and the Battalion earned an incredible 1 DSO, 6 MC's, 1 QGM, 5 MiD's and 1 QCVS. I want to do my bit by these special heroes and I hope you will help me too!</p> <p>Thank you again to all of you have kindly donated to Help for Heroes so far. Let’s now try to reach the new target! You can donate easily at <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/timwilkes">www.justgiving.com/timwilkes</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/04/06/week-ending-6-april-4004126/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-31:/2008/03/31/week-ending-30-march-3975070/trw9992008-03-31T15:34:06+02:002008-03-31T15:34:06+02:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 58.7<br> Average mph: 15.8</p> <p>Another short week due to Easter. We sailed our International Dragon on Sunday. In a blizzard. The sails were filling with snow, wet hands in wet gloves were frozen, couldn’t even get the top off the hip flask! So we decided that, since we sail for fun, we would retire and win the race to the bar. Which we did. Monday was much better and we got two races in.</p> <p>Back onto the bike on Tuesday and again it was so cold and icy I decided to do 15 miles on the MTB again. Then I was working up to my first “long” ride; certainly the furthest I have ever cycled in one go. Left home at 0900 hours on Saturday with the aim of getting to Burnham on Crouch in 2.15 hours. In fact I must have miss-measured the distance on the map as it was only 32 miles, not 35. I did it in 1.55 hours at an average of 16.7mph, which I was pleased with. The ride felt good, I enjoyed it and was not stiff or sore afterwards. I managed to climb North Hill, some 2 miles of steep to steeper gradient, without too much trouble. Just hitting the steepest part of the hill and had to change down to the granny ring, the chain slipped off, I shuddered to a halt just managing to unclip my foot and whip it down to the ground before I would have fallen at the feet of an elderly couple walking down the footpath. “Mm, steeper than I thought” I spluttered to the rather surprised looking couple.</p> <p>Apart from that all else was well and we had a good race in the yacht, coming in second place. Most people at the yacht club were all for me cycling back, but I know my training schedule and I’m sticking to it. Well, that was my excuse!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/31/week-ending-30-march-3975070/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-23-march-3950385/trw9992008-03-27T13:18:22+01:002008-03-27T16:50:19+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 2<br> Miles ridden: 31<br> Average mph: 15.7</p> <p>With Good Friday I took a break this week. I also started the training programme suggested by Help for Heroes, which is why my mileage has gone down. But next week I shall be doing a longer distance 35 mile ride. I am looking forward to it, since you ask! I need now to concentrate on building up two things; my speed and my technique. I have also started to take a “recovery drink” after each ride. I am using the well named “For Goodness Shakes”, happily available at the local Tescos.</p> <p>Nutrition and hydration will be important during the BBBR so I have started to read up a bit more on this. I need to identify a good powder or mix to put into my water bottle for my rides too. I have been taking a couple of gulps of water ever 15 minutes during my rides, which feels fine. As the length of my rides increases I shall need to replace electrolytes, as well as fluids. I will also need to fit a second bottle to the bike. Additionally I shall need to replenish carbohydrates during the rides. I have bought some plastic banana covers that prevent damage to the fruit, so I can stuff one into my back pocket. I shall also probably supplement this with a cereal bar of some sort.</p> <p>One thing I have learnt is about bonk training! This is where you exercise for a period of up to one and a half hours shortly after waking first thing in the morning, before taking any food to replenish your depleted glycogen stores. Thus whilst you exercise your body burns up body fat. It is apparently a rapid way to lose weight and I read with interest that our Olympic sailing team is doing this in preparation for the lighter winds they will experience in China this year. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-23-march-3950385/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-16-march-3950303/trw9992008-03-27T13:05:23+01:002008-03-27T16:24:23+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 66.8<br> Average mph: 15.8</p> <p>These winds are hard work. Great when it is at your back. Horrendous when you are battling your way into it. In fact I am quite chuffed to find that my average speed is still on track. Mind you, I also saw my highest top speed this week, 34.7mph and yes, it was downhill with the wind behind me! It felt reasonably stable on the bike, though I did find I was gripping the handlebars rather tight. Going into the wind you do feel your strength getting sapped and I have had to have some stern words with myself to pedal harder and faster! In fact on one downhill section, where I normally achieve a speed of around 28mph, I was struggling to reach 16mph against the wind.</p> <p>I am having an internal debate with myself about the best cycling shoes to wear on the BBBR. The recommendation is to wear mountain bike style shoes with their more simple clips, which are much closer into the sole and easier to walk on. Whereas my road shoes have larger cleats which protrude away from the sole quite noticeably. They make walking rather tricky, though not impossible. I have learnt that an American company can supply rubber covers for the cleats which makes life easier, less skidd prone and less wear on the cleats. The reason I am concerned is that on the BBBR we shall be stopping every now and again to visit the sites of WW I and II battles, cemeteries and memorials, which will of course entail a certain amount of walking. So I have been wondering about getting the rubber covers, carrying a pair of flip flops to change into or changing my pedals and shoes for the mountain bike option. </p> <p><img src="http://data3.blog.de/media/594/2434594_795bd29682_s.jpg" alt="In training March" vspace="5" hspace="5"></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-16-march-3950303/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-9-march-3950153/trw9992008-03-27T12:42:38+01:002008-03-27T16:48:19+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 63.8<br> Average mph: 15.9</p> <p>So cold and windy I decided to get back up on the mountain bike for one of these days. So my average speed is only for the two road rides I did. The knees are feeling better so I shall have to watch their performance as we get into riding longer distances. It was interesting getting back up on the mountain bike. I found that I was cycling harder and faster than I used to before I got the road bike. It was fun to be on the single track again, though. Ironically enough I got a puncture in the rear as I was coming back along the High Street, about half a mile from home. The Green Stuff inside the inner tube held out long enough until I got home. So I gave the bike a good clean and will replace the outer and inner tubes with new ones which I already have, just waiting for this eventuality.</p> <p>Meanwhile the road bike does well. I have no regrets about buying it and have got into the groove of riding it. The chain slips on a couple of gears, which I need to sort out, otherwise all is working well. The brakes continue to be excellent and my backside is quite used to the saddle I fitted. It looks like a small flat board but is well designed and remains relatively comfortable after one and a half hours. I believe it is something to do with where your sit bones end up perching! The saddle is a Specialized BG Toupe Gel, again purchased from wiggle.co.uk I am now a Platinum customer of theirs, which gives me an ongoing discount for this year!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-9-march-3950153/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-2-march-3950092/trw9992008-03-27T12:32:08+01:002008-03-27T16:47:07+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 72.3<br> Average mph: 15.4</p> <p>Cold again this week and the computer on the blink sometimes. My knees are complaining and so I have reduced the time I spend running from forty five to thirty minutes. Perhaps the body is starting to change as a result of the work I am doing on these mornings. It feels like it sometimes! I have found a good 24 mile route around Weathersfield, Finchingfield and Great Bardfield. A few good uphill sections as well as some decent straights. I find that the hills are easier if I concentrate on using my core muscles and look resolutely at the top of the hill as I pedal up it. </p> <p>I started doing Pilates last summer to help with both my flexibility and my posture. I did a dozen private lessons at the Essex Pilates Studio and got my instructor to develop a series of daily exercises for me to do. I have found this to be really beneficial and it has helped in my sailing too. During a particularly tough week-long regatta at Weymouth last season, doing my Pilates exercises made me feel a lot less stiff than I had at previous events. I find that it helps with my pedalling technique too.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-2-march-3950092/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-24-february-3950008/trw9992008-03-27T12:21:09+01:002008-03-27T16:46:13+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 64.4<br> Average mph: 15.6</p> <p>I do hope you are noticing that my average speed is slowly increasing! Again it has been a bitterly cold few mornings. I returned from one ride covered from head to foot in frost, the bike too. The wind chill must have been considerable. It certainly felt like it. I had to stop at one point to address a particularly chilly feeling around the wedding tackle with some judicious tugging down of the technical top! It reminded me of when I used to do a lot of competitive cross country skiing, when it often became a toss up between a warm hand and chilly whatnot or a warm whatnot and chilly hand!</p> <p>I was asked at the weekend if I when I do the BBBR I shall be spurred on by all those people who have sponsored me. Good question! I replied that in fact I will end up doing the ride to prove to myself that I can do it, so it will be something of a personal challenge. Don’t get me wrong, I shall be cheering with the rest of them when the money is collected in and Help for Heroes reaches its target. I will be happy at the thought that I have done a small bit to help some special individuals.</p> <p>For some twelve years, when I lived in Huntingdonshire, I was involved in raising money for Macmillan Cancer Care and for our local hospital. I was Chairman of an appeal to raise £1.5 million to build a new and much needed oncology centre at the hospital, which with the help and generosity of many people we achieved. Every time I drive past that centre I get a tremendous feeling – pride would be too strong a word, perhaps it is satisfaction. I would hope to have that same feeling once I cross the finish line at the Cenotaph on 1st June.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-24-february-3950008/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-17-february-3949830/trw9992008-03-27T11:52:18+01:002008-03-27T11:52:18+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 57.4<br> Average mph: 15.2</p> <p>Back to cold conditions and my first puncture. The tyres that came with the bike are rather skimpy racing tyres, not really suited to winter training rides. I was about seven miles out when the rear deflated slowly. I stopped and swapped inners and was away in about five minutes. Only five more miles before the same thing happened again. This time I had to call out the support vehicle.</p> <p>Second e-mail shot, sent 15 February:</p> <p>First of all, a huge thank you to the many of you who have so kindly and generously made donations to Help for Heroes, the fantastic new charity. This charity really does seem to have struck a chord with so many people. As you may remember, the target I set in December was to raise £5000 for Help for Heroes, which is raising money for much needed facilities and equipment at Headley Court rehabilitation centre. Well, between us all we have very nearly raised that amount! So given that there is still three months before the Big Battlefield Bike Ride starts, I thought we might see if we could raise £7500 for our injured servicemen and women.</p> <p>Some of the injured are from the battalion I served in from 1974 to 1985, 1 Royal Anglian (The Vikings). They recently returned from a tour in Afghanistan. They lost nine members, had 57 battle casualties and over 70 other injured. You can see some of what they got involved in by watching “Ross Kemp in Afghanistan” on Sky One. He spent several weeks with the Battalion. I want to do my bit by these special heroes and I hope you will help me too!</p> <p>I shall be riding my bicycle with fellow Viking Julian Pollard and 298 others from Le Havre to Calais, visiting a number of battlefield sites on the way. This is a distance of 350 miles, to be covered in six days in late May 2008. You can find out more at <a href="http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/bbbr.html.">http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/bbbr.html.</a> </p> <p>I am now into my training, on my new bike. Bicycles have changed! My bike has a carbon frame and you can pick it up with one finger, it is so light. It has 30 gears. There are skinny tyres the width of your little finger. Brilliant brakes that work efficiently are an added benefit. I have shoes that clip into the special pedals, which means that I can power on the backward and upward stroke. All this means that longer journeys can be carried out faster. Hence the Lycra!</p> <p>My regime at the moment is to do three morning rides a week, interspersed with two morning running sessions. I do this first thing each morning at 6.30. My rides are of 18 miles, which takes an hour and a quarter, averaging 15 miles an hour. I run for 30 to 40 minutes. I aim to increase my riding distance to 22 miles from now on. In mid March I shall begin including a longer ride of 35 miles at the weekend. It just so happens that is the distance between home and Burnham on Crouch, where I sail. So I shall ride over there, have a shower and lunch, sail in the club race and get driven home! In April I shall increase the weekend ride to 50-60 miles. </p> <p>Thank you again to all of you have kindly donated to Help for Heroes so far. Let’s now try to reach the new target! You can donate easily at <a href="http://www.justgiving.com/timwilkes">www.justgiving.com/timwilkes</a></p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-17-february-3949830/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-10-february-3949820/trw9992008-03-27T11:51:08+01:002008-03-27T11:51:08+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 0<br> Miles ridden: 0<br> Average mph: 0</p> <p>Mostly this week I have been skiing! We have gone to Courmeyeur, our regular haunt. We enjoyed the most wonderful weather, with bright sunshine, clear blue skies and superb snow all week, except for the first day, when it snowed constantly. Oh, and we got engaged!</p> <p>Skiing is probably pretty good training for the bike riding, so I don’t feel too guilty.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-10-february-3949820/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-3-february-3949813/trw9992008-03-27T11:50:14+01:002008-03-27T16:44:26+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 1<br> Miles ridden: 14<br> Average mph: 15</p> <p>I whimped out this week and did more running than riding. The icy roads are not conducive to riding hard and fast so I have taken it easy. I run for about 45 minutes around the outside of the town, along tracks and pathways. I started running when I was 20 years old in the early 1970’s and have continued to do so every week day morning ever since. If I don’t, I feel bad for the rest of the day. I have experienced the “runners high” on a number of occasions. It is an exhilarating out of body feeling, entirely natural and perfectly legal!</p> <p>Some eight years ago I turned my ankle badly twice in a short space of time and developed Achilles Tendonitis. I probably started running again too soon on both occasions and so developed a very sore tendon with scare tissue on my left heel. It used to be agony getting up from the sofa for the first few steps. I found some exercises to do which had been developed by American and Swedish academics, but I had to stop running. That is when I dug out my old mountain bike and started riding each morning instead of running. I am now on my fourth mountain bike! It took two years for the exercises to work and I then went back to doing some running, mixed with riding.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-3-february-3949813/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-27-january-3949722/trw9992008-03-27T11:35:58+01:002008-03-27T11:35:58+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 40<br> Average mph: 15.1</p> <p>The bike computer continues to shut down in the cold. Luckily the lights I have fixed to the handle bars and the small emergency kit saddle bag, as well as neat small flashers on the front and rear of my helmet, continue to work in the cold. I also wear a bright yellow and reflective high visibility waistcoat over my bike jacket. I’ve heard too many stories of apparently invisible cyclists being hit by cars or lorries.</p> <p>I have had to add additional biking kit to my wardrobe! In addition to full length bib tights, I wear padded shorts, a technical sweat-wicking top, close fitting cycling jersey when it is as cold as it has been and a breathable waterproof cycling jacket. I also use neoprene over-boots to cover the clip in cycling shoes and padded cycling gloves, as well as a close fitting “skull cap” under my helmet. All this keeps me warm and comfortable most of the time! I find my extremities feel the cold worst, particularly my fingers and toes. The over boots are great at keeping my feet warm but in the very cold I find I need to replace my winter ridding gloves with “lobster claw” mitts. These have a slit between the middle fingers, thus allowing your fingers freedom to brake and change gear whilst maintaining a grip on the handle bars.</p> <p>The jacket has a back pocket, into which I have put my mobile phone and a note to say who I am and where I live (in case of an accident), both in a plastic bag, a really neat small hand pump and a set of fold away reading specs, so that I can see any close –up repairs I might have to make!</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-27-january-3949722/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-20-january-3949625/trw9992008-03-27T11:24:56+01:002008-03-27T11:24:56+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 3<br> Miles ridden: 44<br> Average mph: 15</p> <p>I am now into the swing of riding for three mornings and running for two in the week. It has been a bit colder this week and I think my bike recorder gives up when the temperature drops below zero. The wind chill factor means that anything much below 2.5C and it goes on strike after a while. I shall have to build it a cover!</p> <p>Why I am doing all this? For Help for Heroes, a great charity. I first read about it in the Sunday Times, when Jeremy and Francine Clarkson wrote an article about their visits to Birmingham Selly Oak Hospital and to Headley Court. When I logged onto the web site I discovered the Big Battlefield Bike Ride. It was something I could aim for to help our heroes.</p> <p>First e-mail shot, sent out 17 January:</p> <p>I am asking for your help and support as a friend, colleague, Dragon sailor or soldier.</p> <p>I served with 1 Royal Anglian from 1974 to 1985. The battalion has just returned from a tour in Afghanistan. They lost nine killed in action, 58 wounded in battle and over 70 injured. They were in contact with the enemy most days. I want to help these heroes from the battalion, as well as others injured in the service of our country.</p> <p>HELP for HEROES is a new charity formed to help those servicemen and women who have been wounded or injured in Britain’s current conflicts. These heroes often find themselves at Selly Oak hospital and Headley Court Tri-service Rehabilitation Centre. There are some extraordinary people there, both the wounded and their wonderful nursing staff. </p> <p>HELP for HEROES is strictly non–political; we can leave the talking to the politicians while getting on with raising a great deal of money to directly support our servicemen and women. In particular, Headley Court needs new facilities and equipment and I want to help them raise the funds required; the target is £5 million.</p> <p>So in May 2008 I am taking part in the Big Battlefield Bike Ride. With 299 other riders, including some of the wounded from Headley Court, I shall cycle from Le Havre to Calais, visiting some of the First and Second World War battle fields and memorials. We shall ride 350 miles in seven days. You can find out more at <a href="http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/bbbr.html">http://www.helpforheroes.org.uk/bbbr.html</a></p> <p>I aim to raise at least £5000. I therefore need your sponsorship, please. I shall even be wearing lycra! I already cycle or run four mornings a week and I shall be toughening up the training regime from now on. I shall be increasing my riding time from 30 minutes to an hour. I have just taken delivery of a new carbon road bike, as my mountain bike will be too heavy for the 55+ miles a day I shall be riding in France. I shall update you on an occasional basis to let you know how this training proceeds.</p> <p>Please do what you can to support Help for Heroes. You can donate and sponsor me easily on the web at ttp://www.justgiving.com/timwilkes</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-20-january-3949625/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-13-january-3949609/trw9992008-03-27T11:22:16+01:002008-03-27T11:22:16+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 2<br> Miles ridden: 36<br> Average mph: 14.6</p> <p>The bike I bought is German. It is a Focus Cayo and can only be bought from the importers, wiggle.co.uk, which is an excellent online cycle store. I get a lot of my kit from them. The Focus has a lightweight carbon frame. I opted to have three ring gears. That gives me thirty gears to choose from! It was a risk buying online, without having a chance to look the bike over and seeing how it would fit me. I was persuaded this was a good buy from the reports the cycling press had written on it. One magazine wrote “After a fair amount of riding the Cayo, we've struggled to find anything really wrong with it. Don't let the price tag convince you this is a bike aimed at beginners, while it's perfect for those new to road riding, those with a few more miles under their bums should take a serious look at the Cayo.” What I continue to find amazing is that you can lift the entire bike with one finger, it is so light and well balanced. An amazing piece of kit. </p> <p>I have been doing a few more miles on my rides and have started to read up some more on cycle training. My technique, breathing, hand position and other factors are starting to assume more importance now. I have changed the saddle to a more slim line but oddly more comfortable one and reversed the stem so that the handle bars are a few more centimetres higher, which I find more comfortable.</p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-13-january-3949609/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>tag:timwilkes.blog.co.uk,2008-03-27:/2008/03/27/week-ending-6-january-3949592/trw9992008-03-27T11:18:57+01:002008-03-27T11:18:57+01:00 <p>Days ridden: 2<br> Miles ridden: 21<br> Average mph: 14</p> <p>The first week on the new bike. It is just incredible how bikes have changed. I am well used to mountain bikes but road bikes are a new venture for me. I remember being fascinated by the bikes and stories of a weekend road racer who was decorating my parent’s house when I was a boy in the sixties. He cycled from Leicester to our house (which I thought a very great distance) on a fixed gear training bike. That was something for my young brain to get around. Then one day he arrived on his multi geared racing bike, which left me open mouthed. It bore no comparison to my small boys’ bike, but I remember I loved the large rubber covered gear shift handles, the drop handlebars, the Brooks Swallow racing saddle. This lad then proceeded to tell me how he would happily cycle over one hundred miles in a day; just incredible!</p> <p>When I was a little older I was given a five speed touring bike, which I really enjoyed cycling on until my first Mini came along when I was seventeen. I do remember the world track championships being on at the Leicester velodrome in, I think, 1970. we lived near the university halls of residence and the teams were staying there, so I saw a lot of the riders training hard on the roads around us. And that was it as far as cycling was concerned for about twenty years!</p> <p>So this week I have mainly been getting used to clip in pedals, drop handle bars and narrow saddles, as well as even narrower tyres. No great distances or high speeds at this stage, just getting the feel of the set up. </p> <p> <small> <a href="http://timwilkes.blog.co.uk/2008/03/27/week-ending-6-january-3949592/#comments">Comments</a> </small> </p>