Back in the saddle.

 

Ok I’ll admit it’s been a while since my last post. I have been very busy, whoever said leaving teaching would be quiet must still be doing the job. Last night I met with some former colleagues, from what they told I’m so glad I’m out of it.

Which takes me onto why I have been so busy, in January I finished my journalism course! Also, I have been published – both online and in print. In May I even went to London to cover the RHS Chelsea Flower Show. What an event that was, I never expected to meet so many famous people.

Now biking has been very mixed, the winter was awful and doesn’t appear to be over yet. The number of cancelled rides due to bad weather may have outnumbered the number I spent on the road. I’m no wimp when it comes to riding in bad weather, but flooded roads are a different matter. On top of this we’ve had family illness to contend with.

Then May was mad. One week in Mallorca where we watched the MALLORCA 312. I didn’t enter due to the technicalities of getting the bike there, but finding out there are really good hire shops near a friend’s apartment may see next years event on the list. After Mallorca it was off to Almeria, followed by Chelsea and then 5 days at Weston Park teaching water sports to members of the Caravan and Motorhome Club.

I have completed one 100Km Audax so far this season. My next one is the Rosliston Roller in Staffordshire. Last year I did the 100km version, but this year I’m taking an old friend and cycling partner who is in his 80s. Hence we opted for the shorter version.

I will be back with more news of how that went and plans for the rest of the year very soon – promise!

Gravel reel

Clasica de Almeria

 

I have recently read Mary Webb’s The House in Dormer Forest. Many people dislike this book, I was fascinated by it. I am sure that last summer I cycled through the locations that inspired it, I know the deeply wooded valleys where families could be lost for generations - living by the own obscure rules and the country churches that have changed little since Norman times. This is what inspires my cycling, I couldn’t just pass time by watching the computer count the miles. That is what I love about watching cycling in Europe, even the most basic of club competitions take place on the open road and visit places along the route. I did attempt racing in the UK, both as a BC rider and in the Veterans league. Most UK racing takes place on uninspiring circuits – one hour plus 10 laps. Not for me, I like to go somewhere.  Hence why I tour and ride Audax. It’s the thrill of reaching a far-flung place and riding home again that I find exciting.

Bunch sprint in Roquetas De Mar

Reach for the finish. Italian Matteo Moschetti takes first place.

The English Disease

Time Trials are referred to as the English Disease in Europe, but really it is the circuit race. Events have been forced down this route due to lack of cooperation from the authorities and several loud internet-based critics. The Clasica de Almeria may have only been one of hundreds of races held across Europe each weekend, but local town halls see such races as a way of promoting their town with free TV coverage and therefore ensure that every facility is made available to organisers. Cafes, bars, and restaurants saw a welcome boost to Sunday trading. Local people enjoy a brief touch of glamour as team convoys and staff descend on small sleeping towns. In the UK, councils see street closures as a hindrance rather that a potential for trade, and as for the police – don’t even go there. The UK really has become a petty-minded country of shop keepers.

Back on the road again.

 After a couple of weeks in Spain, it was time to get the bike out again. A short but steep ride on Sunday to test the bike after the layup and then a commute today. Sunday's ride is in the Latest Ride box. The news from Spain is that I have discovered running. I have always hated running with a malice that verged on psychotic.

However, the thought of two weeks in Spain with no bike and the possibility of a total loss of fitness led me out onto the roads and hills with Pam. One of our most memorable runs were on the Sierra Gador, where you really felt that it was like running on top of the world. 

As a result I have left my old running shoes in Spain - shoes that have been used about five times in 12 years, with the intention of doing more next time I'm there. I have ordered a new pair for use back home. Buying running shoes has been off my agenda for years.

The running was made possible due to the NHS Couch to 5K app. This is brilliant and gives a training programme that splits the runs into manageable chunks. I started the Spain runs on about week three, making the assumption that because of the earlier training on the bike I wasn't starting from scratch. If you do need to start having done no exercise, do follow the app from the beginning. I have Sarah Millican as my voiceover. This works well as a motivator as I think Sarah has known the pain. Only problem is at the end of the run I find myself waiting for the punchline that never arrives.

We did enjoy the odd post run tapas or ice-cream. I'm sure if this was an option in the UK my mileage would suddenly increase!

The blood glucose levels have been a rough ride, with levels all over the shop. I hope without the temptations of Spain and a change of supplements, I could have it back under control. Today I managed a reading of 6.5 mmol/L, this is my lowest so far and hope this is indication of something moving at last.