I had planned a variation of my basic route, adding a little extra to increase the miles. In the cold and under leaden skies I cautiously started along the trailway. It was here I had fallen victim to almost every puncture. However I was optimistic that the passage of time, wind, heavy rain and the patter of many feet, human, horse and dog had crushed and scattered the debris from hedge trimming.
My confidence grew as I covered the miles, I was right, the trailway was mainly clear of puncture producing rubbish. Encouraged I mentally re-planned my route and rode to the end, circling back to pick up on the original route 23 miles later.
I stopped to re-fuel at Shillingstone station, a place I have passed either walking or cycling on countless occasions, and have long admired it for its freeze-frame moment in time.
An objective of the ride was not only to put in the miles and saddle time but to improve my use of the gears. I had convinced myself after attempting Okeford Hill that I was using them incorrectly. Having read up and taken advice on the subject I was certain I would crack it today. I set off again.
You need to ‘twiddle’, small gear at the front, large at the back, (or was it the other way round), keep the legs moving, it’s called cadence. Don’t look up at the challenge ahead, look at the road immediately in front, anticipate, it’s more efficient to keep seated. By the time you've remembered all that you've reached the top anyway.
And yes I was doing it right, but I can’t say the hills were any easier with all the additional advice. It’s plain and simple to get to the top of a hill you have to do all of the above, but basically it all comes down to putting in the effort – case closed. No matter, I successfully rode up each without stopping.
My confidence grew as I covered the miles, I was right, the trailway was mainly clear of puncture producing rubbish. Encouraged I mentally re-planned my route and rode to the end, circling back to pick up on the original route 23 miles later.
I stopped to re-fuel at Shillingstone station, a place I have passed either walking or cycling on countless occasions, and have long admired it for its freeze-frame moment in time.
An objective of the ride was not only to put in the miles and saddle time but to improve my use of the gears. I had convinced myself after attempting Okeford Hill that I was using them incorrectly. Having read up and taken advice on the subject I was certain I would crack it today. I set off again.
You need to ‘twiddle’, small gear at the front, large at the back, (or was it the other way round), keep the legs moving, it’s called cadence. Don’t look up at the challenge ahead, look at the road immediately in front, anticipate, it’s more efficient to keep seated. By the time you've remembered all that you've reached the top anyway.
And yes I was doing it right, but I can’t say the hills were any easier with all the additional advice. It’s plain and simple to get to the top of a hill you have to do all of the above, but basically it all comes down to putting in the effort – case closed. No matter, I successfully rode up each without stopping.
Cycling in the cold is definitely harder and calls for more refueling. I was grateful I had taken a flask of hot chocolate to supplement the cereal bars, about which I am doing some amateur research, 9 Bar, are currently top of the leader board for me.
Around Fifehead Magdalen and Marnhull I made my way back to Hinton St Mary, out again to Child Okeford, along the trailway and home.
It’s strange but it appears that the point of fitness you aspire to is always one level above the point you are at.
However the stats for the ride must surely prove that I must be heading in the right direction.
Miles: 55
Time: 5.5 hours (with stops, I'd hate to imply I was slow).
I understand Sir Bradley Wiggins lost a significant amount of weight to enable him to successfully tackle those grueling French mountain climbs, win the converted Yellow Jersey, and the Tour De France. Therefore, I rationalise, having the physique of a racing snake must be an advantage.
Today I used 2,666 calories. Becoming a racing snake must be a gradual process and the changes subtle because quite frankly, I really can't see any difference.
Amanda
It’s strange but it appears that the point of fitness you aspire to is always one level above the point you are at.
However the stats for the ride must surely prove that I must be heading in the right direction.
Miles: 55
Time: 5.5 hours (with stops, I'd hate to imply I was slow).
I understand Sir Bradley Wiggins lost a significant amount of weight to enable him to successfully tackle those grueling French mountain climbs, win the converted Yellow Jersey, and the Tour De France. Therefore, I rationalise, having the physique of a racing snake must be an advantage.
Today I used 2,666 calories. Becoming a racing snake must be a gradual process and the changes subtle because quite frankly, I really can't see any difference.
Amanda