Still fretting about gears and hills I called on the advice of an expert. Someone who has ridden bikes all his life and has the wisdom of father handed down to son – my brother.
He patiently explained some techniques and came up with some good tips, not all about gears! Keen to put his guidance into action and to avoid using the ‘granny ring’, the lowest gear, in future, today I covered the old familiar route. That way I could assess if I was making an improvement and if the hills were easier.
Initially I had to avoid the trailway because of the fallen trees, a detour of six miles. Strange, when I started training six miles seemed a long ride, now it’s barely a warm up.
Past the familiar view of Hambledon Hill, this time in the sunshine, out to Blandford, Spetisbury, and Langton Long.
He patiently explained some techniques and came up with some good tips, not all about gears! Keen to put his guidance into action and to avoid using the ‘granny ring’, the lowest gear, in future, today I covered the old familiar route. That way I could assess if I was making an improvement and if the hills were easier.
Initially I had to avoid the trailway because of the fallen trees, a detour of six miles. Strange, when I started training six miles seemed a long ride, now it’s barely a warm up.
Past the familiar view of Hambledon Hill, this time in the sunshine, out to Blandford, Spetisbury, and Langton Long.
On the straight of the trailway at Blandford you can reach a speed of well over 20 MPH, but only on the outward leg. Here I tried another tip; when coasting, ride with your pedals level to rest the legs equally. It’s a good one, breaking old habits and remembering will take a little longer.
As I circled back through Stourpaine I noticed sheep gently grazing in a field.
Little do they know………
Little do they know………
I climbed the hills with confidence and do think the advice will pay off. I didn't even consider using the ‘granny ring’ once. However the test will be when I have to tackle hills on unfamiliar territory and when I don’t know how steep or long they are – anticipate, asses and aim for ten yards past the summit. Again simples!
And another piece of advice; apparently you can steer a bike with your bottum!!!!!! I assume that’s how cyclists remain in control when doing the traditional victory salute.
In the interests of health and safety I have added that tip to my bucket list – at the bottom!
However in the 'Cycling tips' advice for 'The solo victory', please note we are a team, and advice tip no.1 (about showing your sponsor's identity), we don't have one of those yet.
Numbers 2-5 we shall be ignoring.
Amanda
And another piece of advice; apparently you can steer a bike with your bottum!!!!!! I assume that’s how cyclists remain in control when doing the traditional victory salute.
In the interests of health and safety I have added that tip to my bucket list – at the bottom!
However in the 'Cycling tips' advice for 'The solo victory', please note we are a team, and advice tip no.1 (about showing your sponsor's identity), we don't have one of those yet.
Numbers 2-5 we shall be ignoring.
Amanda