Monday 18 May 2009

Training for the Ton

I haven't posted much recently. I've been out on the bike instead!

I've decided that just turning up for the Trossachs Ton (100 mile ride) without training, was probably not a great idea. So I have set some time aside each weekend to get out on the bike and get some miles, and more importantly, some hills into my legs. So I've been doing this loop over the last four weeks




It is 40 miles and takes in the mighty Crow Road climb into the Campsies.

My first ride was a bit of a shock, as I hadn't attempted such a big hill before. Ouch! I had to stop several times on the way up! Even the sheep seemed to be laughing at my first attempt! However, I'm getting better now and finding that my climbing technique has been improving.

I'm managing to do the ride in about 2.5 hours (average speed of just over 16mph) which I think for a newbie isn't too bad. It hurts, but it's a sort of fun hurt....if you know what I mean!

Always one to spot a videoing oppertunity, I decided to take my camera along for one of the rides... up and down




Oh! Don't forget to sponsor me!

3 comments:

  1. I'm sure you'll be fine.
    Wish I was going 16mph in hilly terrain.

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  2. Don't be discouraged! Just say to your friends; "I've never seen a hill so steep I couldn't walk up it!"

    Taking pictures is also a great gambit! "I just had to stop and capture that perfect shot."

    You keep putting yourself into more and more exclusive groups. Bicycle commuter, long distance cyclist, those who have ridden Crow Road climb, and those who can average 16 MPH across it.

    Tailwinds!

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  3. I should point out the 16mph is for the whole ride and not for the Crow Road section. Heading up Crow Road I think my average is closer to 6mph!

    I did manage 40.1mph on the way down though! :-)

    ReplyDelete