We had spent the night in the Gothenburg Hostel in a similar fashion to sardines. The room 5 of us stayed in was tiny, and very intimate but we were in high spirits specially after a feast the night before in the main street in the city. I make no apologies guys, this is going to be a long one.
We got up early and had to meet reporters and photographers at the local park to feature in the Sfar Nytt, Stena's magazine. When we got to the park it was pretty cold, but we had to strip down to shorts and tshirts (the full road captain gear) for the sponsors photos. We'd all been talking about how daft we would look in it but later in the cycle we would be glad of the gear and our attitudes changed towards it.
We wanted to set off about 9.30am but due to some last minute issues with a wonky wheel on Shauns bike - any time he touched the brake his front wheel shifted drastically to the left, clearly this had to be fixed before we left. With a little ingenuity and a lot of swearing under our breaths we got it working suitably.
Right...ready now...oh wait...Douglas's chain began to rub badly as it was routed incorrectly through the tensioner at the rear mech. Out came the chain splitter to break the chain and rebuild it but the pin fell out so we had to remove two of the links instead, the chain was pretty stiff though when we rebuilt it and you could see that it was still sort of jumping so a quick prise apart with a screwdriver (marked "this is not a pry-bar") we managed to loosen the chain. A dash of oil was added to help lube it up. And there you have a recipe for a working chain.
We set off and made excellent time in the morning, despite the false starts and the wrong turns at the start that saw us having to absolutely hammer it along a 5km stretch of the E6 (a motorway). By the time we finished that sprint we were all ready for a rest, and thankfully found a chocolate biscuit factory which had a shop at it. We bought loads of biscuits to replenish energy reserves and had a short rest where we met with Peter who was driving our van with spares and our gear. We all unloaded the spare clothes here from our backpacks and left them in the van (except for the obviously required waterproof jackets).
We then proceeded to go over various hills and bridges, all the time thinking "it was meant to be a lot flatter than this, why isn't it flat? I'm going to die if this doesn't end soon". The hills never ended. The bridges thankfully did. We had trained in Scotland using the southern highlands as our routes however, the hills in scotland have downhills as long as the up, whereas in Sweden they seem to go up and up and up and up and then quickly down. So while in Scotland we'd be pedalling only 50% of the time of the hills, in sweden it was more like 80%.
About 1 and a half hours from the end of the days cycling to Freds parents holiday home we encountered a Norwegian on a bike who'se first question was "Are you scottish?" when we replied positively he asked Douglas "Are you Tom?" we pointed at Tom and then the penny dropped. It was Svein, a person Tom and I had contacted months ago for information about cycling Gothenburg to Oslo as he had made a site about it in the past. We'd invited him to join us for part of the cycle.
We cycled on till we met the ferry which would take us to the island we were staying on that night.
The cycle to the house was a killer, it was ALL uphill and seemed to take half an hour on its own. We were glad of the shower at the house, despite all the hot water being used up long before we had all showered. It was still great.
Bob and Fred made a spectacular dinner of pork, sausages, salads and pasta, perfect for refuelling after the days long cycle. We sat up until late. On an island with not a single street light the sky was amazing, I've seen skies like that before in Italy but I was too young to appreciate the sight.
It was a sublimely clear night, we could see everything in the sky, from the ghostly band of stars across the sky of the milky way to the satellites we could see tracking across the velvety blue backdrop. Mercury was visible low on the sky too, brighter than any of the stars around it. We were all so dumbstruck by the spectacle that we switched all the lights off, including mobile phones and just sat quietly watching the sky. Even the crickets seemed to quiet down for a short time. Douglas spotted a shooting star streak across the sky and pointed it out to us. Surely this was a good sign for the cycle!
Bob, ever thoughtful, produced a bottle of single malt from his bags and toasted us all and the cycle. Bob, your words of wisdom, your witt and banter throughout the cycle proved to be entertainment and valuable to us all. Thank you.
Thanks to Freds parents too for letting us stay at their holiday home that night. Hopefully we didn't make too much of a mess.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Saturday, August 30, 2008
The wanderers return...
Well...we're back...
Not got much to say just now as I'm still in a daze about the cycle but expect a lot of posts over the next week or so with pictures, descriptions and sotries about our adventure.
In total it looks like we will raise around £8000 for CHAS which is AMAZING - although if we can get that a little higher it would be even better! Thank you all for your fantastic support and generosity - we couldn't have done it without you.
Right, I am off to soak in a tub again and let my poor legs recover properly today. No beer for me!
Not got much to say just now as I'm still in a daze about the cycle but expect a lot of posts over the next week or so with pictures, descriptions and sotries about our adventure.
In total it looks like we will raise around £8000 for CHAS which is AMAZING - although if we can get that a little higher it would be even better! Thank you all for your fantastic support and generosity - we couldn't have done it without you.
Right, I am off to soak in a tub again and let my poor legs recover properly today. No beer for me!
Monday, August 25, 2008
A quick update
Well it's day three of the cycle - today is a rest day - thankfully. Saturday was excellent, the weather was perfect for cycling - clear sunny skies but with a low temperature. We had a slight mishap on the start line when Douglas found that his chain was rubbing so we had to do some emergency surgery and remove two links so we could re-route the chain through the correct mechs. Once we got that fixed we found that Shaun's bike had a brake issue...Any time he applied the front brake the front wheel would skew dangerously to the left, clearly something was wrong but we were on a schedule and patched it as best we could.
Over the next few hours we had a few wrong turns, which took the first days mileage up to around 62 miles.
We eventually got to Lyr - and stayed at a friends holiday home, it was fantastic. We sat out till late, drinking low alcohol lager and eating barbecued pork, sausages, and pasta with salad. Once all was eaten, and dessert was finished, Bob produced a fantastic bottle of single malt whisky to toast everyone for taking part. I think with Bobs creative words and the scenery as well as possibly the best and clearest night sky I have ever seen made everyone sit back and contemplate just what we were doing.
The second day was hell on earth for me - I think the other guys were suffering too. I was amazed at how tired my legs were and nothing I was doing was helping. 20 miles in I felt like throwing in the towel - my legs were burning, my knees were in pain on every downstroke. I thought I was going to give up at fiskebaksil, I decided to press on to Brastad - I made it there 4 minutes after the rest of the guys - apart from Bob who I have to thank for keeping pace with me. At Brastad the short rest helped me regain some strength however a few short miles in and my legs were starting to burn again worse than ever. I could feel my knees want to buckle when I pressed down on the pedal and had to fight hard to stabilise them never mind pedal.
I've stopped suffering from the Crohns flare up which hit me last week and caused me to have to stop on the cycle but I am still feeling its effect. My bowels are still very active so I am being forced to eat less and drink less thank I should so that I can continue cycling without stomach pain and the requirement to run to the bathroom like you do the day after a bad prawn curry!
We were meant to meet at a small town 10 miles from Brastad but decided to change the route to go to Hamburgursund. I really felt like my legs were about to stop functioning. Strangely there was no lactic acid buildup, just no energy left in the lower thighs. I made a decision to not use my gears as I had been and instead to stand in the pedals and power up the hills. The tops of my thighs had hardly been used and were comparatively rested so that helped me power up the hills and actually catch up to the rest of the guys.
I don't know how the guys kept going but I am amazed at their pace and stamina. It's testament to the preparation we have done.
We arrived at our meeting point with the van on time where we gave him money and a shopping list and provided him with directions to the ferry to Fjallbacka.
We spent the day resting at Fjallbacka Valo where the weather couldn't have been better. Tomorrow will be a true test, another 120km (70miles) and the weather forecast says its going to be wet. It will be a tough test, but I am sure we will manage it.
Over the next few hours we had a few wrong turns, which took the first days mileage up to around 62 miles.
We eventually got to Lyr - and stayed at a friends holiday home, it was fantastic. We sat out till late, drinking low alcohol lager and eating barbecued pork, sausages, and pasta with salad. Once all was eaten, and dessert was finished, Bob produced a fantastic bottle of single malt whisky to toast everyone for taking part. I think with Bobs creative words and the scenery as well as possibly the best and clearest night sky I have ever seen made everyone sit back and contemplate just what we were doing.
The second day was hell on earth for me - I think the other guys were suffering too. I was amazed at how tired my legs were and nothing I was doing was helping. 20 miles in I felt like throwing in the towel - my legs were burning, my knees were in pain on every downstroke. I thought I was going to give up at fiskebaksil, I decided to press on to Brastad - I made it there 4 minutes after the rest of the guys - apart from Bob who I have to thank for keeping pace with me. At Brastad the short rest helped me regain some strength however a few short miles in and my legs were starting to burn again worse than ever. I could feel my knees want to buckle when I pressed down on the pedal and had to fight hard to stabilise them never mind pedal.
I've stopped suffering from the Crohns flare up which hit me last week and caused me to have to stop on the cycle but I am still feeling its effect. My bowels are still very active so I am being forced to eat less and drink less thank I should so that I can continue cycling without stomach pain and the requirement to run to the bathroom like you do the day after a bad prawn curry!
We were meant to meet at a small town 10 miles from Brastad but decided to change the route to go to Hamburgursund. I really felt like my legs were about to stop functioning. Strangely there was no lactic acid buildup, just no energy left in the lower thighs. I made a decision to not use my gears as I had been and instead to stand in the pedals and power up the hills. The tops of my thighs had hardly been used and were comparatively rested so that helped me power up the hills and actually catch up to the rest of the guys.
I don't know how the guys kept going but I am amazed at their pace and stamina. It's testament to the preparation we have done.
We arrived at our meeting point with the van on time where we gave him money and a shopping list and provided him with directions to the ferry to Fjallbacka.
We spent the day resting at Fjallbacka Valo where the weather couldn't have been better. Tomorrow will be a true test, another 120km (70miles) and the weather forecast says its going to be wet. It will be a tough test, but I am sure we will manage it.
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Excited? not me....
Hahahahaha, yeah right! I've been up since 4am thinking about tomorrow.
Well I wish it could be Christmas, every day
When the kids start singing and the band begins to play
Oh, I wish it could be Christmas, every day
Let the bells ring out for Christmas
Imagine that song - but with Sweden where christmas is...
Thats how I feel just now. Everything is prepared. All that we have to do is get to the airport and from then on in theres no turning back.
See you in a week - I'll have loads of pictures, maybe some movies and definitely some stories!
Well I wish it could be Christmas, every day
When the kids start singing and the band begins to play
Oh, I wish it could be Christmas, every day
Let the bells ring out for Christmas
Imagine that song - but with Sweden where christmas is...
Thats how I feel just now. Everything is prepared. All that we have to do is get to the airport and from then on in theres no turning back.
See you in a week - I'll have loads of pictures, maybe some movies and definitely some stories!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
2 days to go...
Tonight is the penultimate night. Whats being done? I'm preparing the maps - each cyclist will receive maps for each day broken down into 15 mile sections. This means we will all be able to get to where we need to be and should we be separated - reduce the chances of getting lost.
Today we had some excellent news in the form of replies to emails about the cycle. First of all Rock Radio mentioned the cycle on the lunchtime show - unfortunately I didn't hear this but am hoping its helped raise a bit of awareness of the site!
Then around 4pm I spoke with a reporter from The Metro - a free paper on public transport in the UK asking for a little more information about the cycle, Jack and Melanie and why we were doing the cycle. I explained we were - most of us anyway - desk bound for work so the cycle itself was not an easy task!
I am hoping - as is the reporter - that the story will be in tomorrows edition of The Metro!
On that note, I'm off to make sure I've got enough t-shirts, socks and toothpaste for the week...at least these days I don't have to worry too much about shampoo!
Remember, whilst we are away, I'll still be posting here with updates, I may not be able to get you pictures until I get back but you'll be able to read about the thrills, spills, monotony, rain, shine...whatever happens you'll know about it! Well...as far as cycling is concerned anyway!
Today we had some excellent news in the form of replies to emails about the cycle. First of all Rock Radio mentioned the cycle on the lunchtime show - unfortunately I didn't hear this but am hoping its helped raise a bit of awareness of the site!
Then around 4pm I spoke with a reporter from The Metro - a free paper on public transport in the UK asking for a little more information about the cycle, Jack and Melanie and why we were doing the cycle. I explained we were - most of us anyway - desk bound for work so the cycle itself was not an easy task!
I am hoping - as is the reporter - that the story will be in tomorrows edition of The Metro!
On that note, I'm off to make sure I've got enough t-shirts, socks and toothpaste for the week...at least these days I don't have to worry too much about shampoo!
Remember, whilst we are away, I'll still be posting here with updates, I may not be able to get you pictures until I get back but you'll be able to read about the thrills, spills, monotony, rain, shine...whatever happens you'll know about it! Well...as far as cycling is concerned anyway!
Monday, August 18, 2008
Team Shirts
Well today the first of the team shirts were picked up. I have to admit, TeeShirt Nation in Glasgow did a spectacular job of the shirts. I think it will look fantastic when we all turn up wearing the same shirts and continue to wear sponsored shirts throughout the cycle.
So what are the shirts like? Simple white t-shirts...The CHAS Logo of course, the Nations flags and the sponsors name, and finally on the back... a massive number 08 with the words "Got. To Oslo".
Finally seeing them has brought it home, we're going in 4 days... I - like the rest of the guys - have done my fair share of travelling. I've stayed in some amazing hotels. Yet I don't think anything will compare with the feeling we will get on the day we roll in to Oslo, no matter the weather, no matter how tired we are.
Oslo..watch out...we're on our way and nothing is going to stop us!
So what are the shirts like? Simple white t-shirts...The CHAS Logo of course, the Nations flags and the sponsors name, and finally on the back... a massive number 08 with the words "Got. To Oslo".
Finally seeing them has brought it home, we're going in 4 days... I - like the rest of the guys - have done my fair share of travelling. I've stayed in some amazing hotels. Yet I don't think anything will compare with the feeling we will get on the day we roll in to Oslo, no matter the weather, no matter how tired we are.
Oslo..watch out...we're on our way and nothing is going to stop us!
Sunday, August 17, 2008
The resounding sound of...
Failure! Yep, Failure.
Today was going to be a 75 mile cycle in total. In the end it was a roughly 30 mile cycle of sheer hell and determination not to be beaten by Crohns.
I've had a massive flare up of Crohns Disease this week, resulting in passing blood on Friday and Saturday. I knew I was going to be weak today but didn't figure on being this weak.
10 miles into the cycle - most of it steadily up-hill - I was barely controlling my breathing. I had already had to stop twice and was feeling the pressure.
Eventually we got to Lochwinnoch - where I stopped and refuelled on a can of coke. Possibly the best drink I have ever had. That helped me keep up and even set the pace for a few miles but soon my muscles were empty. I was spent and there was still another 10 miles to go.
Having to stop every now and then enabled my legs to become recharged. The slow twitch muscles in my legs had absolutely nothing to give so I had to alternate between bouts of sprinting and freewheeling.
Soon we neared Largs and the up-hill sections gave way to an altogether too short (but extremely steep) down-hill section. It was bliss being able to freewheel for more than a few hundred metres. Although my brakes had to be carefully applied as I was actually getting down the hill much faster than the cars in front of me.
Strangely though, theres absolutely no lactic acid build up in my muscles. I think for that to happen your muscles have to burn glycogen in bigger quantities than was present in my legs today.
I know 30 miles or there abouts is still an achievement (specially when you consider the only food I had between saturday at 11am and sunday at 11am was a fried breakfast) but I can't help feeling like I've let the team down, more importantly I feel like I am beat.
I'll have a hard time to get over this before the cycle next week - I absolutely have to complete a cycle again before Thursday and do it faster and better than before to help get over it. I have been beaten once, not again!
Today was going to be a 75 mile cycle in total. In the end it was a roughly 30 mile cycle of sheer hell and determination not to be beaten by Crohns.
I've had a massive flare up of Crohns Disease this week, resulting in passing blood on Friday and Saturday. I knew I was going to be weak today but didn't figure on being this weak.
10 miles into the cycle - most of it steadily up-hill - I was barely controlling my breathing. I had already had to stop twice and was feeling the pressure.
Eventually we got to Lochwinnoch - where I stopped and refuelled on a can of coke. Possibly the best drink I have ever had. That helped me keep up and even set the pace for a few miles but soon my muscles were empty. I was spent and there was still another 10 miles to go.
Having to stop every now and then enabled my legs to become recharged. The slow twitch muscles in my legs had absolutely nothing to give so I had to alternate between bouts of sprinting and freewheeling.
Soon we neared Largs and the up-hill sections gave way to an altogether too short (but extremely steep) down-hill section. It was bliss being able to freewheel for more than a few hundred metres. Although my brakes had to be carefully applied as I was actually getting down the hill much faster than the cars in front of me.
Strangely though, theres absolutely no lactic acid build up in my muscles. I think for that to happen your muscles have to burn glycogen in bigger quantities than was present in my legs today.
I know 30 miles or there abouts is still an achievement (specially when you consider the only food I had between saturday at 11am and sunday at 11am was a fried breakfast) but I can't help feeling like I've let the team down, more importantly I feel like I am beat.
I'll have a hard time to get over this before the cycle next week - I absolutely have to complete a cycle again before Thursday and do it faster and better than before to help get over it. I have been beaten once, not again!
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Roll to me...
"...it wont stop raining, Its the right time to roll to me..." - Del Amitri
Well they had it right, I cycled to and from work yesterday in possibly the worst weather I have encountered on my bike. I had entirely the wrong gear on, and to make matters worse was totally unprepared for it in the morning by missing breakfast.
You would think after all this training I wouldn't do anything that stupid. I did. Momentary lapse in cognitive abilities. It happens to us all sometimes.
Anyway, as the day progressed the weather got steadily worse until at night the rain was coming down in torrents. I knew I was going to get sweaty cycling home so a water proof jacket would only stop me being able to cool down and cause me to fatigue even quicker. So...there's me dressed in a cotton shirt, double thickness cotton three quarter length cargo shorts and my trainers.
Within a mile I was soaked to the bone, within two miles my clothes were water logged and had gained about 4kg in weight, that in itself isn't too bad, but wet clothes cling to you (specially when you have hairy legs like mine) and reduce mobility. Within 5 miles every down-stroke on the pedals issued forth a tidal wave of biblical proportions from the water trapped in my shoes and socks.
What made matters worse is the roads were busy, I had to cycle close to the kerb, and we all know that's where water collects, so not only was I being soaked from the rain above and the cars to the side, but also from the water being thrown up by my off-road tyres. Mud Guards would have been no use...I was leaving a wake in those puddles!
So what did I learn from that? well...carry spare gear in a SEALED plastic bag so it remains dry, and to cycle faster, much much faster.
Well they had it right, I cycled to and from work yesterday in possibly the worst weather I have encountered on my bike. I had entirely the wrong gear on, and to make matters worse was totally unprepared for it in the morning by missing breakfast.
You would think after all this training I wouldn't do anything that stupid. I did. Momentary lapse in cognitive abilities. It happens to us all sometimes.
Anyway, as the day progressed the weather got steadily worse until at night the rain was coming down in torrents. I knew I was going to get sweaty cycling home so a water proof jacket would only stop me being able to cool down and cause me to fatigue even quicker. So...there's me dressed in a cotton shirt, double thickness cotton three quarter length cargo shorts and my trainers.
Within a mile I was soaked to the bone, within two miles my clothes were water logged and had gained about 4kg in weight, that in itself isn't too bad, but wet clothes cling to you (specially when you have hairy legs like mine) and reduce mobility. Within 5 miles every down-stroke on the pedals issued forth a tidal wave of biblical proportions from the water trapped in my shoes and socks.
What made matters worse is the roads were busy, I had to cycle close to the kerb, and we all know that's where water collects, so not only was I being soaked from the rain above and the cars to the side, but also from the water being thrown up by my off-road tyres. Mud Guards would have been no use...I was leaving a wake in those puddles!
So what did I learn from that? well...carry spare gear in a SEALED plastic bag so it remains dry, and to cycle faster, much much faster.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Hi Ho, Hi Ho its off to work we go...
With a shovel and spade, and a hand grenade, Hi Ho Hi Ho, Hi Ho...
Actually it's more like a bike and a lunch and a change of clothes but that doesn't rhyme! Tomorrow sees me cycling 12.6 miles to the office, and then another 12.6 miles home. And if that wasn't enough we've got some evening cycles planned too!
This is the last full week of training before we leave for Sweden, final destination Oslo, Norway. I have to admit I am pretty psyched up! Each day I wake up more tired than the last from cycling, however, after Friday and Saturday I know my fitness levels are nearing their peak (well for cycling anyway).
I think the 55 miles in a day requirement for Sweden won't be exactly easy but it will be manageable by all of us. Regardless though, I am going to ensure that I complete every last mile; I've never been one to give in without a fight.
So...This week schedule is as follows:
07:00:- Leave for work
07:37:- narrowly avoid getting squashed by truck
08:00:- Arrive at work
08:30-17:30:- work (wooo - the more I work the less I cycle)
17:30:- Leave for home
18:30:- Arrive home
18:45:- eat dinner
19:15:- out on bike again!
21:00:- die of heart attack
22:00:- get better for tomorrow
In amongst all that I've got to ensure that I eat properly, specially given that we are leaving next Friday. Unlike the rest of the guys, I don't have much body mass to store energy so I need to ensure that between cycles I eat plenty and replenish what I've just used up...
Thankfully I have the appetite of a hungry thing thats not eaten for a month so eating shouldn't be a problem!
Finally...I am amazed (in a good way) at the amount of money we have raised so far and the amount of money people have said they will donate. Everyones generosity is outstanding and we can't thank enough for the help you have given us or for the difference the donations will make to the children at CHAS.
Thank you!
Actually it's more like a bike and a lunch and a change of clothes but that doesn't rhyme! Tomorrow sees me cycling 12.6 miles to the office, and then another 12.6 miles home. And if that wasn't enough we've got some evening cycles planned too!
This is the last full week of training before we leave for Sweden, final destination Oslo, Norway. I have to admit I am pretty psyched up! Each day I wake up more tired than the last from cycling, however, after Friday and Saturday I know my fitness levels are nearing their peak (well for cycling anyway).
I think the 55 miles in a day requirement for Sweden won't be exactly easy but it will be manageable by all of us. Regardless though, I am going to ensure that I complete every last mile; I've never been one to give in without a fight.
So...This week schedule is as follows:
07:00:- Leave for work
07:37:- narrowly avoid getting squashed by truck
08:00:- Arrive at work
08:30-17:30:- work (wooo - the more I work the less I cycle)
17:30:- Leave for home
18:30:- Arrive home
18:45:- eat dinner
19:15:- out on bike again!
21:00:- die of heart attack
22:00:- get better for tomorrow
In amongst all that I've got to ensure that I eat properly, specially given that we are leaving next Friday. Unlike the rest of the guys, I don't have much body mass to store energy so I need to ensure that between cycles I eat plenty and replenish what I've just used up...
Thankfully I have the appetite of a hungry thing thats not eaten for a month so eating shouldn't be a problem!
Finally...I am amazed (in a good way) at the amount of money we have raised so far and the amount of money people have said they will donate. Everyones generosity is outstanding and we can't thank enough for the help you have given us or for the difference the donations will make to the children at CHAS.
Thank you!
Friday, August 08, 2008
The loneliest number...
Well...its 27. The number of gears ONE mountain bike has. Tonight I cycled to my home town from glasgow. Last year it took us over 6 hours (4.5 cycling time). Tonight it took 2hrs and 40mins with no rest stops.
On the way I passed many groups of people. Lazy people on horses. Some joggers. Jakeys with their buckfast. Even other people on bikes. But they were all in groups of two or more.
Why is that? Distraction from the pain. Distraction from the monotony of the same scenery. In the end I gave up and listened to my mp3 player and broke a few laws in doing so. Helpfully jamiroquai and fat boy slim were on there so their up tempo music helped contribute to my pace. The other bonus is that the music does help keep a steady cadence whilst cycling. Maybe I will use that next week whilst cycling to work.
And for you guys keeping score on my spelling. Sorry, I've just posted this from my phone and don't have a spell check on it. Well not a good one anyway.
On the way I passed many groups of people. Lazy people on horses. Some joggers. Jakeys with their buckfast. Even other people on bikes. But they were all in groups of two or more.
Why is that? Distraction from the pain. Distraction from the monotony of the same scenery. In the end I gave up and listened to my mp3 player and broke a few laws in doing so. Helpfully jamiroquai and fat boy slim were on there so their up tempo music helped contribute to my pace. The other bonus is that the music does help keep a steady cadence whilst cycling. Maybe I will use that next week whilst cycling to work.
And for you guys keeping score on my spelling. Sorry, I've just posted this from my phone and don't have a spell check on it. Well not a good one anyway.
TGIF!
YAY its Friday! End of the week...Oh no! that means cycling! ARGH! This weekend is specially difficult as I've got to attend a wedding reception which means I cant be out too late on Saturday to get to the reception in time and I will be up too late to get up early on Sunday.
The solution: simple, cycle on Friday night and then again on Saturday morning. How far though? 40 miles each way. Well....38 each way.
I'm going to cycle down to my friends on friday night, watch a DVD and eat loads of high energy food, then on saturday cycle home. My legs will be in agony. The roads will be busy on friday night. It will be getting dark. And looking out the window just now...most likely pouring with rain. It will be a tough test of mental and physical endurance. As I will be cycling on roads I will be unable to use an MP3 player to keep my mind occupied as it will stop me hearing vehicles behind me.
38 miles on your own is a long way to be alone. 3.5 hours. Your mind occupied by nothing but the lactic acid burning in your muscles. Occupied by the pain in your foot. Occupied by the hunger you feel. 38 miles of battling thoughts of wanting to give in.
So what makes me go on when I know I am hurting, hungry and about to pass the limit of my endurance? Memories of the video of Jack Macpherson on youtube. He didn't have a choice. I do have a choice, but I am not going to let myself, my friends or him down.
The solution: simple, cycle on Friday night and then again on Saturday morning. How far though? 40 miles each way. Well....38 each way.
I'm going to cycle down to my friends on friday night, watch a DVD and eat loads of high energy food, then on saturday cycle home. My legs will be in agony. The roads will be busy on friday night. It will be getting dark. And looking out the window just now...most likely pouring with rain. It will be a tough test of mental and physical endurance. As I will be cycling on roads I will be unable to use an MP3 player to keep my mind occupied as it will stop me hearing vehicles behind me.
38 miles on your own is a long way to be alone. 3.5 hours. Your mind occupied by nothing but the lactic acid burning in your muscles. Occupied by the pain in your foot. Occupied by the hunger you feel. 38 miles of battling thoughts of wanting to give in.
So what makes me go on when I know I am hurting, hungry and about to pass the limit of my endurance? Memories of the video of Jack Macpherson on youtube. He didn't have a choice. I do have a choice, but I am not going to let myself, my friends or him down.
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
A word from our sponsors...
This week saw the sponsorship go sky high with a flurry of activity in the past few days. We've since confirmed a few corporate sponsors which I would like to thank personally and on behalf of the team with a few words here. Yeah it's blatant advertising but you know what? They were nice enough to give us donations and equipment so the least I can do is drop a few names:
- Northern Marine Management (http://www.nmm-stena.com/): Thank you for your donation, shirts and help with getting the van sorted. It has helped ease both Tom and my nerves massively knowing that this has been sorted, Thanks also goes to Bob Hossack for ensuring this was done.
- Brantas (http://www.brantas.co.uk/): Thank you for your donation, and for your help with buying spares and extra shirts for the guys! With my luck with punctures and attempts at breaking the world record for self propelled flight we'll need those spares!
- Iceland (http://www.iceland.co.uk/): No, not the country. Thanks, and whilst we wont be able to shop in iceland, we will expect loads of superstrong bags as part of our deal to store the plentiful supplies we will be taking.
- Concordia Maritime (http://www.concordia-maritime.se/) Thank you for supplying safety equipment and clothing as well as (I believe) a donation to the charity. It will help cut down on the amount of gear we need to transport from Scotland.
Now, I know I have not yet included Stena Bulk (http://www.stenabulk.com/) in this list yet, but thats because I am not aware of the full details of their sponsorship and don't want to say anything thats not true.
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Pictures from the weekend...
"hmm, lovely murky weather."
"...and that guys...is where I am going to go head first into a hedge..."
"eeek, we've got to cycle in that!"
"wait for me!"
"no, I am not getting in there - it's not a hedge"
"ah...peaceful country side"
"The secret nuclear bunker."
"what can I say...I didnt move fast enough to get out the way!"
"three knackered guys"
"see down there...at the water? thats where were going that is..."
"Quick - look casual!"
Training To Failure
This week sees the beginning of a hard training week. Training almost to the point where muscles have nothing left to give. Refuelling with high protein and carbohydrate drinks and food. Whats the point of that?
Well...each time your muscles reach the point of failure - the point at which they can physically exert no more energy (not the point when you think you are too tired) - your body has to repair that muscle but as it knows its been overworked it develops new muscle fibres in the hope that those new fibres will allow you to perform better, faster and more efficiently.
So whats that mean in terms of training? Cycling a minimum of 20 miles a night. Lifting weights at home (free weights such as dumbbells and barbells with no end caps).
A few friends have commented in the past about my lifting weights at home without a spotter - specially as I quite often lift more than I weigh. My retort to that is I always lift those heavy weights with no end caps. The weights stay on the bar purely through their own resistance and my lifting form. IF I should fail at any point the weights would slip off the bar on one end and leave me able to get out without any serious injury!
But all that training is no use if you are not eating right. I've posted numerous times on what my diet consists of so I wont do it again but remember: You need enough carbs to fuel your exercise, and enough protein to be able to rebuild those damaged muscle fibres!
Well...each time your muscles reach the point of failure - the point at which they can physically exert no more energy (not the point when you think you are too tired) - your body has to repair that muscle but as it knows its been overworked it develops new muscle fibres in the hope that those new fibres will allow you to perform better, faster and more efficiently.
So whats that mean in terms of training? Cycling a minimum of 20 miles a night. Lifting weights at home (free weights such as dumbbells and barbells with no end caps).
A few friends have commented in the past about my lifting weights at home without a spotter - specially as I quite often lift more than I weigh. My retort to that is I always lift those heavy weights with no end caps. The weights stay on the bar purely through their own resistance and my lifting form. IF I should fail at any point the weights would slip off the bar on one end and leave me able to get out without any serious injury!
But all that training is no use if you are not eating right. I've posted numerous times on what my diet consists of so I wont do it again but remember: You need enough carbs to fuel your exercise, and enough protein to be able to rebuild those damaged muscle fibres!
Monday, August 04, 2008
Lucky to be in Scotland
I've got to admit, I really am lucky to live in Scotland. This weekend we cycled from Dunoon to Rothesay. As we neared the ferry terminal in Gourock the rain started. It looked to be a miserable day. We bought "hop-scotch" tickets. A way of travelling inter-island without having to buy multiple tickets. We were committed. We now had to cycle to Rothesay.
On the ferry across to Dunoon however things got clearer, the wind subsided somewhat and we felt much better about the cycle. Tom and I knew we had some killer hills coming up and I think this made it harder for us to go on. Certainly did for me anyway.
We got to the hills and even Tom was struggling up there. I however am pretty happy with myself having only got off the bike once this weekend. Once the 1:8 incline was done, we took a short rest and cycled on to Colintravie where we arrived just in time for the ferry, however it was time for lunch so we decided to stop and have a bite to eat at the Colintravie hotel. It served possibly the best food in the world with a cheerful German Barmaid to talk to...
Enough of that...we got on the ferry to Bute and stormed the next 10 or so miles to Rothesay, we got there about an hour ahead of what we had planned so we decided to go for some ice creams at Zavaroni's and sat in the drizzle waiting for the ferry.
When we arrived in Weemyss bay we found that we would have to wait for over 45 minutes for the train to Glasgow so we decided to cycle to Inverkip instead of sitting doing nothing. The short cycle proved to be a lot harder than I thought but I managed it - including the cliff-like hill to get to Inverkip train station - whoever thought that one up needs their head examined.
I'll post pictures of the weekend as soon as I get them from Douglas, our resident photographing cyclist.
On the ferry across to Dunoon however things got clearer, the wind subsided somewhat and we felt much better about the cycle. Tom and I knew we had some killer hills coming up and I think this made it harder for us to go on. Certainly did for me anyway.
We got to the hills and even Tom was struggling up there. I however am pretty happy with myself having only got off the bike once this weekend. Once the 1:8 incline was done, we took a short rest and cycled on to Colintravie where we arrived just in time for the ferry, however it was time for lunch so we decided to stop and have a bite to eat at the Colintravie hotel. It served possibly the best food in the world with a cheerful German Barmaid to talk to...
Enough of that...we got on the ferry to Bute and stormed the next 10 or so miles to Rothesay, we got there about an hour ahead of what we had planned so we decided to go for some ice creams at Zavaroni's and sat in the drizzle waiting for the ferry.
When we arrived in Weemyss bay we found that we would have to wait for over 45 minutes for the train to Glasgow so we decided to cycle to Inverkip instead of sitting doing nothing. The short cycle proved to be a lot harder than I thought but I managed it - including the cliff-like hill to get to Inverkip train station - whoever thought that one up needs their head examined.
I'll post pictures of the weekend as soon as I get them from Douglas, our resident photographing cyclist.
Saturday, August 02, 2008
3 weeks... 21 days...504 hours...
Somehow, Somewhere, when I wasn't looking the past two months have sneaked up on me.
Gothenburg seems within reach and every day I wake up thinking about the cycle. How can I get more training in? Am I eating the right food? Am I going to be able to do it? Is the weather going to beat us? Have we prepared everything we need?
No one can tell what is going to happen on the cycle. We've planned, re-planned and are going to plan again. But that's all that we can do until we are there.
The important thing is to keep momentum going and not to stall anything.
So Sunday training continues as normal. Tomorrow - unless the sky is falling in, we will be doing about 56 miles. I'm also going to take a load of spare shirts, and a few suits to work to change into and cycle into and home from work each day. I drove the route last week and have to admit it is pretty flat so I should be able to do it within a reasonable time. I'd say it will take around an hour each way, maybe a bit less if I step up the speed and eat properly. What this means is that I will complete 24 miles a day. I'll step up the weight lifting to ensure that my upper body strength is built up accordingly.
I REALLY need to study the route to work though as there are two sections which would normally go on the Motorway which is illegal to cycle along. So wish me luck and hope I don't get a criminal record!
Gothenburg seems within reach and every day I wake up thinking about the cycle. How can I get more training in? Am I eating the right food? Am I going to be able to do it? Is the weather going to beat us? Have we prepared everything we need?
No one can tell what is going to happen on the cycle. We've planned, re-planned and are going to plan again. But that's all that we can do until we are there.
The important thing is to keep momentum going and not to stall anything.
So Sunday training continues as normal. Tomorrow - unless the sky is falling in, we will be doing about 56 miles. I'm also going to take a load of spare shirts, and a few suits to work to change into and cycle into and home from work each day. I drove the route last week and have to admit it is pretty flat so I should be able to do it within a reasonable time. I'd say it will take around an hour each way, maybe a bit less if I step up the speed and eat properly. What this means is that I will complete 24 miles a day. I'll step up the weight lifting to ensure that my upper body strength is built up accordingly.
I REALLY need to study the route to work though as there are two sections which would normally go on the Motorway which is illegal to cycle along. So wish me luck and hope I don't get a criminal record!
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