The final preparations before the ride

After months of preparation, as the ride approached, I wondered to myself why I had ever signed up to do the London to Paris bike ride. I was terrified. Not because I thought I couldn’t do it, but because I knew it was going to be tough and I was worried that I would be slower than everyone else (I already knew I was slower than my friends up hills).

On the Friday before the ride, Woody (my next-door neighbour) and I cleaned my bike, changed the brake pads, inner tubes and changed the tyres for new ones. I had my last training ride on Saturday. The training ride went without incident, except that one of the group was using cleats for the first time, and he fell off twice, which made me very conscious of my feet being clipped in. At the end of the ride, it was a funny feeling to know that the next time I got on the bike, I would be on my way to Paris.

The day before

On Tuesday, Justin and I packed up the car, which involved taking both the front and back wheels off my bike and headed for London (Croydon to be exact).

On the M25, we happened to pass the other girls who were travelling in a van from Nottingham – it was so exciting to see them, but the reality sank in a little more. We were riding from London to Paris!

When we got to the hotel, I realised my brake light was broken – the read cover had fallen off. The light had fallen off on the Saturday ride and had appeared intact, but I had obviously lost it somewhere between home and the hotel. I also didn’t have a padlock. While we checked in, Justin nipped to a bike shop to purchase a new light and padlock (incidentally, neither of which I actually needed in the end). We dropped our bike into the event room – we couldn’t register until 6 pm, but some of the support crew were there. We were all VERY nervous. When Justin returned, we said our goodbyes, which was quite emotional (for me). The next time I saw him, we would be at the Eiffel Tower at the end of the ride (shit!).

We had a cup of tea to kill time before we could register. At 6 pm on the dot, we headed to the event room to register and were given a bag full of information, including a little booklet with each day’s routes, mileage and ascents. We then returned to the restaurant to study the information over dinner and one glass of wine.

Day One

 87 miles, 5,729ft of climbs, 7 hours and 13 minutes in the saddle. Croydon to Calais.

The Start

That night, I don’t think any of us slept well. We had to be up for breakfast at 6.30 with the morning’s registration at 6.45 to set off at 7 am. I couldn’t really eat anything, and in the room at registration, it was more like we were waiting to be executed rather than set off on a ride that was supposed to be fun. Everyone was quiet and almost sussing each other out. There were 15 of us in total, plus the 4 support crew – 2 would ride with us (Ian and Stewart), 1 was the bike mechanic (Gwid), and the other would provide the refreshments (James). I was increasingly terrified when they said that we would be riding as one big group and that they would be looking for an average pace of 14-15mph. There was no way I would be able to maintain that speed over the distance and ascents of day 1. It was also concerning as we were against the clock: we had a ferry to catch!

We headed out to the front of the hotel for a group photo before heading off. Even thinking about it now makes me nervous! I was slightly relieved when one of the girls said she would never average 14-15mph – phew, it wasn’t only me.

The first few miles out of London (Croydon) were pretty hairy, as you can imagine. There was lots of traffic, and there was a bit of stop-starting and quite a few undulations (hills).

In the booklet, they had broken down each ride:

• From the hotel to the first water stop
• First water stop to lunch
• Lunch to second water stop
• Second water stop to the hotel

The morning

It said the first water stop was after 18 miles and quite a long ascent. It was probably more like 22 miles and a very long ascent. When we got to “Just at the top of this hill”, we arrived at the water stop. It was most welcome. Jenna had acquired a slow puncture, so while we had a cup of tea, a banana and some sweets, the support crew changed her inner tube.

This stop, like many to follow, did not have “facilities”; it was therefore a case of squatting behind a bush, tree or whatever could be found (in this instance, some farm machinery). It is quite interesting in cycling gear, where you pretty much have to fully undress!

After probably 15 minutes, we were back on the bikes. The day is pretty much a blur; however, I remember the road to lunch was undulating. I also think before lunch, we had the first two falls – one because I believe Laurence clipped the wheel of another cyclist, and the other due to Mark trying to move his bike with his foot still clipped in. There were several technical issues – one of which resulted in Jane falling behind and being involved in a contretemps with a motorist who evidently didn’t understand the Highway Code. We also had an interesting encounter with another motorist who really didn’t like cyclists and held his hand out of the window, holding up his middle finger as he went past us rather quickly.

Anyway, lunch was in a village hall. I was still very anxious and couldn’t stomach much food. While we were eating, Gwid lube-ed my annoyingly squeaky bike.

After Lunch

We were very relieved to realise that we were over halfway for the day and had well over half of the hills under our belts. This happiness was short-lived. Although we had most of the hills as well as the worst under our belts, we had the miles in our legs after lunch, which made every incline 10 times worse. This part of the day was one of the toughest of the whole ride. It really was every (wo)man for him(her)self. It seemed that every hill we saw on the horizon, we were going up it, and some just seemed never-ending. The worst was after the second water stop. Everyone struggled, and my throat started making a noise I have never heard before (or since) due to my breathlessness. I really thought I would have to get off and walk. But I kept going very slowly and eventually got to the top. After the second stop, I started taking blocks every 5 miles. Without them, I am not sure I would have had the energy to keep going up the hills. But surprisingly, on the last incline, I felt really good.

The descent into Dover almost came as a shock – I couldn’t quite believe we had made it. How had we made it? We were overjoyed. After some cycling in circles to get on the ferry, we did our last ascent of the day – the ramp onto the ferry. We were in Dover. We were on the ferry. The longest and hilliest day done (almost).

The Ferry to Calais

Weirdly, there is no real “bike rack” on a ferry, so we leaned our bikes up and headed straight to the restaurant. The journey went surprisingly quickly. We enjoyed a ferry meal, chatted to our fellow cyclists and desperately yearned for a shower. We were soon heading back to our bikes, which luckily were still here and saddled up. Calais was pretty hectic. Luckily, we were pulled to one side and escorted out of the Port. While being escorted, one of the lads, Louis, flew over his handlebars for no apparent reason. It soon transpired that his derailleur (the back bit that changes the gears) had basically disintegrated. He was therefore unable to cycle to the hotel and got a ride in the support van. The rest of us had a rather leisurely, flat, 2-mile ride to the hotel.

My room buddy was Katie. We checked in, did our stretches, and each had a well-earned shower. Once ready, we headed to the bar where we had one glass of wine with the other girls and chatted to Paul, Laurence, Chris and Mark. We were exhausted, so we soon went to bed. I had had some back issues in the run up to the ride, so throughout the day took paracetamol and ibuprofen before setting out at lunch. Before bed, Katie and I both applied deep heat.

I had hoped that after the day’s exertions, I would sleep well; however, again sleep eluded me, so unfortunately did not feel “fully refreshed” in the morning.

Day Two

79.8 miles, 3,795 feet of climbs, 6 hours 31 minutes in the saddle. Calais to Arras.

Before getting back on the bike

For some reason, getting ready in the morning seemed to take longer than expected, and breakfast was pretty rushed.

Sadly, it was the 1st anniversary of Nicole’s brother’s death. He had died of bacterial Meningitis the year before. A death which probably could have been avoided had his colleague vaccinated against it following the prior death of one of his colleagues. She was understandably upset, as were the rest of the group, who were friends of his.

Starting to enjoy the Hills

The second day was more sedate than day one. I actually began to enjoy hills. We went up a lovely hill through a forest on a quiet road where we were able to ride two abreast. We took it really steady and were able to chat as we went. The scenery was lovely. Following on from the first day, Kate, Katie, Jenna, and I decided to stay together; we would stay at the back of the group. We stuck together up all of the hills, chatted and generally enjoyed the ride. There were obviously some tough bits – the ascent to lunch was long and into the wind. It was hard going. Lunch was much appreciated, and today I didn’t hold back. We sat in the shade in a lovely grassy spot. One issue. No loo. So, the guys moved one of the vans in front of a hedge, and we took turns to go behind it.

At lunch, the guys from Bristol marked a year since George’s passing.

Kate, Katie, Jenna and I were rather emotional and shed a few tears. We had a hug and a cry. Although I had bitched and moaned about the ride, I couldn’t imagine doing it with anyone other than these girls, and at that moment in time, I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else than there with them.

The Rocky Road to Arras

The rest of the day was pretty much downhill to Arras. Literally downhill, not that it got worse. There was a hairy couple of miles. We were entering a village, and Stu told us to take it steady, that there was some debris on the road. I thought, how bad it can be… We rounded the corner and the road was littered in stones. They were literally everywhere. I unclipped my left foot and we all took it very steady.  It turned out a tractor that had been carrying the stones had been dropping them for about 2 miles. They were lovely flint stones that I think were intended for a driveway or something similar. I would have been surprised if there had been any left by the time they got to their destination.

It was quite scary when cars passed – especially when they didn’t slow down. One such vehicle pinged a stone towards Kate which nearly hit her! Poor Louis was concentrating on avoiding the stones so much that he clipped the wheel of someone else’s bike and came off again.  Luckily we all made it through the Rocky Road (haha) without too many issues.

Arras

When we arrived in Arras, before going to the hotel, we headed to the Commonwealth War Memorial Cemetery. We had a look around at the rows upon rows of graves. A stark reminder of all those lives lost. The loved ones of previous generations.

It was a lovely evening. And although busy, it was an enjoyable ride to the hotel. We were soon at the hotel and enjoying a shower before heading down to the bar. We were feeling pretty good. Mileage-wise, we were over halfway. It was a wonderful feeling.

My roomy Katie and I met with the other two and headed to the bar, where we met with the rest of the group. We all went out to a restaurant round the corner and enjoyed a good meal whilst getting to know each other a little better. The restaurant was in a lovely square. It was really pretty. Adjacent to it was another square with a really lovely church. Kate, Katie and I wanted a photo in front of the church. But we wanted to get the tip of the spire in. It seemed to be easier said than done, and the four of us ended up in hysterics. We must’ve looked like a bunch of baffoons. We resorted to asking one of the group to take the photo for us. And then we had a group photo. It was a lovely evening.

We headed to bed – it was early, but we were tired.

Day Three

76.2 miles, 2,736 feet of elevation, 5 hours and 35 minutes on the bike. Arras to Compiegne.

The sleep

There was a storm during the night. There was also some knocking. Katie and I did not sleep well. In the morning, it became evident that Kate and Jenna had had some noisy revellers outside their window. They hadn’t slept well either. The packing didn’t get any quicker, so we were again later down to breakfast than arranged. I ate 2 croissants. Lovely!

We had our morning brief and were on our way. We had a pretty speedy start, being dragged along by Ian.

The ride

The morning ride went through the Somme. We stopped at war cemeteries along the way. It was pretty beautiful. And it was enjoyable. It is easy to look back on this through rose-tinted glasses, though. But everything was hurting. Everything. Even my thumbs.

Riding together 

At the start of the ride (day one), it was evident that not many of the group had been on rides out with Cycling Clubs. When you go out in a group, it is often necessary to point or call out hazards such as “hole left” or point to the hole on the left “slowing” – an up and down motion with your hand “stopping” I am not sure what the sign is for that. As we went through the ride, the group became more vocal and would call out the holes and other hazards to the extent that, if we were being filmed, we might call them out even if there weren’t any.

One of my favourite things about the ride was working as a team and riding together. When it was windy (which it often was due in France to there being few hedges), we would take it in turns to go at the front of the group. This would provide some shelter for those behind and make it so much easier to ride. We also helped out others in the group if they were struggling. The lovely thing was that the four of us did it together. We were ways together and we always worked as a team.

The best wild loo

Day Three saw the best of our Wild Loo stops. We had stopped in a not attractive car park, and across the road was an area with big wooden reels of cable which were placed in a manner in which we each had our own little “cubicles”. It was a hoot.

Compiegne 

The ride following the last water stop wasn’t too long. We had to go through Compiegne, which was quite busy, but we eventually arrived at the hotel. The hotel was really very nice. The four of us had some photos outside. We were overjoyed to have day three under our belts.

After getting quickly ready, we headed to the bar and enjoyed a lovely evening with the rest of the team. It was quite strange talking about the end of the ride the next day.

Day Four – the last day. Katie’s Birthday

72.1 miles, 3,206 feet of climbs, 6 hours 6 minutes on the bike. Compiegne to Paris!

The Lies

The next day, the last day it was Katie’s birthday. The night before, she had spoken to her sister and parents. She had spoken to her sister every night via FaceTime, and the night before, she hadn’t been able to. I knew it was because they were in Paris, waiting to surprise her at the finish line. It was so exciting, and I don’t know how they didn’t let the cat out of the bag.

During the briefing, we sang happy birthday to Katie and Chris (as it was his birthday too).

The last ride

On setting off from the hotel, we went along some lovely lanes through forested areas (after initially going the wrong way. There was one tough climb, but we were soon descending into a lovely village for the first water stop. As I rounded the corner, I spotted my camper van and the realisation dawned on me that Justin had come to surprise me (I knew he would be at the Eiffel Tower, but I didn’t realise he was coming to the water stop). I started to cry. I told the girls that it was my van, but I think they thought it was a van like my van. As I came down the hill, I tried to smile through my tears, but I think it ended up being a grimace. It was so so lovely to see Justin, and I am pretty convinced he was emotional too. Jenna said she cried when she saw Woody. The little dog was there too. Luckily, we were able to use the toilet in our van.

The stop was over all too quickly, and we were all on our way. The next time I saw Justin, it’d be at the finish!

The last lunch

We took a few wrong turns on the way to the lunch stop. When we got there, the guys had decorated the area with balloons. They had also bought 2 cakes, which we put “Happy Birthday” candles on. We sang Happy Birthday to Katie and Chris again. The lunch was as lovely as usual (I miss the lunches).

Paris ahoy

We had a few more miles of countryside before we saw Paris in the distance, and then we were in the suburbs. The latter part of the day was very stop/start through Paris. We managed to stay together quite well. There was one last water stop (the least picturesque of the ride). We then had just a couple more miles until the meeting point at the Louis Vuitton museum, where we had a short stop (I managed to talk my way in to use the facilities). It was a gorgeous day, and we only had a few more miles to go. It was very emotional. Shortly after we set off again, we were all overwhelmed when we turned a corner and there was the Arc de Triomphe. There were tears!

The final approach

The Champs-Élysées was hairy: cars, buses and vehicles everywhere. And cobbles after 4 days in the saddle were not the best on the bottom. I was a bit worried that with the thin wheels it’d be quite easy to come a cropper. When we got to the Arc de Triomphe we just had to go for it. It was all very surreal and I was concentrating more on making it round than taking in the sights! At the bottom of the Champs-Élysées, we crossed the Seine. We could see the Eiffel Tower in the distance. Although we could see it, for a while it didn’t seem to be getting any closer.

We cycled along the Seine, in front of the Eiffel Tower and left up a street to come in at the back of the tower. We could see our family and friends waiting for us.

It was incredible. We had made it to the end of our ride. As we cycled round, Katie saw her family. We were all sobbing. Literally. We had made it! I can quite honestly say that, from wondering what the hell I was doing, the experience was the most amazing of my life. It was incredible. Very challenging but such a wonderful experience. I was so glad to have done it and to have done it with Kate, Katie, and Jenna. It is an experience none of us will ever forget. I want to do it again!

Needless to say, we had a couple of glasses of champagne that evening.

The Group

The group was made up of:

Our gang

• Me
• Jenna
• Kate
• Katie

The Bristol Crew

• Nicole
• Rosie
• Morgan
• Louis
• Hakeem

The brave ones who came on their own

• Lucy
• Jane
• Chris
• Mark
• Laurence
• Paul

If you would like to sponsor me, click here.

The post London to Paris The ride appeared first on Alice Douglass.

Since I last posted, I have done various rides in Scotland, Cornwall, Leeds, Nottingham and of course in Wiltshire, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire.

At the weekend, I joined the other L2P ladies in Nottingham to do our first 100 miles (I think actual cyclists call it a century). We hadn’t originally planned to do 100, but I was keen to get one under my belt – just so I had done more than the miles of the longest day, which is 86. Previously, my longest ride was 77 miles.

Having had about 2 months with hot sunny days, no wind and parched land, we woke up on Saturday to windy conditions and broken sunshine. We set off at about 9.30am and headed out to the Vale of Belvoir (pronounced Beaver). Although there were some route-finding issues, the first 40 miles were quite frankly a doddle, and when we stopped for our first pit stop, we were all commending ourselves on how well we were doing and how great we were feeling. It didn’t last! On setting off, we changed direction and were confronted by a horrendous head-wind. Soon after setting off I was pondering what the heck we were doing and wondering if I could get my dad to come and pick me up. The wind was so strong, it was like cycling up hill. We couldn’t pick up any speed and it was just a battle.

I don’t entirely think that the first 40 miles were easy because we had the wind behind because even when we turned out of the wind, cross-winds would almost take us out if we crossed an opening in a hedge.

We battled on for another 30 miles before we stopped again for further refreshments in Orston. By this point we were feeling pretty hysterical and were laughing at quite literally nothing. The highs and lows were quite extreme and we were all feeling very jealous of the people in the pub drinking wine.

As soon as we left the pub, the skies opened. It rained so much that my shoes were full of water and my feet were like prunes. It was not pleasant. However, I would take the rain over the wind any day.

Heads down, we pressed on and with some twists and turns around West Bridgford to get the miles up, we got home with 100.8 miles under our belts! It’s pretty insane!

The post 100 miles done! appeared first on Alice Douglass.

The 37 miler

On Tuesday, I went out with Woody and the Novo Swindon Wheelers. Woody and I left Highworth at 5.45 pm and cycled to Kingsdown via Stanton, where we met up with some more riders. From there, we cycled back to the Freke to meet the rest of the group. There were 11 of us in all, including three of us who hadn’t really been out in a group before, and I was pretty anxious. By the time we got back to the Freke, we had already done over 8 miles, and I was already feeling pooped. Justin (my husband, who now has a bike) was supposed to be joining us. However, it became evident that he was back from work late and therefore wouldn’t make it.

We set off (me with a wobble). Although I had asked Woody about the pace of the ride, which he had said would average about 13mph and would be generally around 15, we were going at around 17 mph. It soon became evident that I was a lot slower than others, both up and downhill. However, it was a very pleasant evening, and I was doing OK at keeping up on the flat. It was weird as my energy seemed to wax and wane. At some points I would feel pretty on top of it, and at others, I felt knackered – even to the extent that Woody had to give me a push to rejoin the main group at one point.

The group was lovely, very supportive, and encouraging. We did the usual loop out into the Cotswolds – through lovely towns and countryside and lanes. It was pretty gorgeous.

I was the slowest by far coming back up the hills out of Castle Eaton. I hope that I get better at hills because I am pretty sure the other girls are faster than me too. Hill training is required!

The extra bit

On returning to the Freke, we said goodbye to many of the others as they headed back into Swindon. Woody and I, along with a couple of others, headed up the hill into Highworth. By this time, we had done 32 miles. Although I was exhausted and my back was hurting, I was aware of the need to push myself and get miles in my legs. So when Woody asked if I fancied doing the Frezden loop and adding on another 5 miles, I said yes.

The last 5 miles were not the quickest; however, it did mean that the ride was 37 miles in total. I also got to practice standing up and pedalling uphill.

I was overjoyed to get hom,e and I hadn’t realised how late it was. We ate dinner at gone 9 pm and I went to bed pretty sharpish.

Here is a reply of the ride (not in real-time).

My first solo ride

Due to work, my dad visiting, and going off to Portugal on Friday afternoon, I would have little opportunity to get out on my bike. I therefore decided I needed to bite the bullet and go out for a ride on Friday morning. On my own. For the first time!

I was on the road by 6.45 am. It was a lovely Spring morning. The sun was out, and although there was a nip in the air, it was very pleasant. The most daunting part of the ride was turning right at the Freke. The Highworth to Blunsdon road is pretty busy, and although it was early, I became aware as I approached the junction that there was a car behind me. I signalled and pulled over to the right. As soon as I did, it seemed the whole world and his dog were coming the other way. I had to wait for what felt like ages for a gap to be able to go. While I waited, I turned and gave the car(s) behind me a little thank you before I set off.

My route consisted of a little 20-mile loop taking me around Fairford Airfield. I am still pretty wobbly when I take a hand off the handlebars or when turning to see if there is anything behind, so I was a bit anxious for the whole ride. In hindsight, I was so glad that I went, and it was pretty enjoyable. I do think I prefer being out with someone else, though.

One thing I realised is that the wind really does make a difference on your own – especially when it is against you all the way back up the hills from Castle Eaton.

A little gripe

I do find the whole cycling thing very daunting and pretty terrifying. Everything scares me – my feet being clipped, other cyclists, the cars, their drivers, the potholes, and so on. Although it seems pretty tame, I think it is quite a dangerous sport. You are going along fast roads, exposed to the elements, wearing a little bit of Lycra and a polystyrene helmet! And some cars! My god, some of the drivers: if I put my arm out, I could touch them.

Some are very thoughtful and cautious, and will not pass until it is safe to do so. Others will pass as quickly as possible, diverting their path as little as possible. Can I just remind anyone who drives that I am not an obstacle or an object? I am a sister, a wife, a daughter, and an auntie: a person. Please pass me like you would pass a car. Give me space, make sure it is safe. If I am confronted by a huge pothole while you are passing me within inches, I would be stuck between, well a pothole and a car! Think!!!!!

My challenge this week is to do 100 miles (not all in one go).

The post Building up the miles appeared first on Alice Douglass.

I have seen various professionals. A chiropractor, a massage therapist, and the latest – an Osteopath. Not because one wasn’t working, but because I wanted to throw the kitchen sink at it to get better. Each has given me exercises to do. My back does seem to be getting better, so this evening, I plan to go on an easy 20 miler. I say easy, but it won’t be – there will be many hills.

Bike Fit

My trip to the Osteopath on Friday was a result of ensuring my bike fit me. Prior to the prolonged bad back, I was getting a bad back and neck while in the saddle for long periods of time. I therefore went to “Bike Fit” in Swindon Cycles with Dean, an Osteopath.

I was quite nervous about it, but it was really good. Dean took measurements and angles of me whilst on the bike in various positions. He made adjustments to the saddle position and handlebar height. He put dots on my knees to see how aligned they were when I was cycling. He used a laser to identify where it was aligned to the dots at the bottom of the peddle; at the top, my knees were nowhere near aligned to where they were at the bottom. Dean therefore altered the position of my cleats on my shoes and loosened the pedals so they were easier to get in and out.

In addition, he measured my pedalling efficiency and power. Apparently, my legs are very balanced in their efficiency – at times 50/50. Which is weird, as I often feel that my right leg is doing all the work. However, we agreed that this may be when I am a bit fatigued. I think my power could be better, though.

Dean also examined my back and gave me some exercises to do. All the experts I have seen have agreed I am wonky; however, it is to do with muscles rather than bone, which is good. I am therefore working on the exercises to ensure that I can try to alleviate the muscle issue and therefore eradicate the bad back.

Fund Raising

While the cycling hasn’t gone too well, the fundraising has been better. On Saturday, Kate, Jenna and I held a Coffee morning in West Bridgford in Nottinghamshire. We had cakes, tea, coffee, a Tombola, a raffle, a jumble sale, kids’ crafts and lots more. The event was brilliant. It was very well supported, and we managed to raise just under £1,600. The proceeds will be split between each of us for our chosen charities. Therefore, that’s just under £400 each! Thanks so much to everyone who supported the event and helped out on the day.

I am holding a coffee morning in Highworth on 19th May, 10 am – 1 pm. There will be cakes, savouries, tea, coffee, some crafts, a Tom old and a silent auction. Come along, I’d love to see you there. If you can’t come (or even if you can), any donations of cakes, Tombola or silent auction prizes will be greatly appreciated.

You can also support me by donating here.

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Over Easter weekend we had our first cycling weekend away. A while ago Katie suggested Derbyshire. I think at the time we all thought that we would be further along with our training and all agreed. I mean, why not? It’s not like The Peak District is hilly!

I know the area well having driven through it on numerous occasions while at University travelling from home (Nottingham) to Manchester. However, on travelling to Ashford in the Water on Friday, it was with trepidation driving along the undulating roads.

We decided to get there early to get a ride in on the Friday while the weather was good and because I had to leave on the Saturday evening.  It was probably about 2pm when we set off.

Jenna had borrowed our friend’s bike as she was concerned about the brakes on her new bike. It was therefore not only one her first rides out (after the gear incident on her first) but also her first in cleats.  We spent some time cycling up and down so that she could get used to them and then we set off.

The Ride

Katie led, with me second, Jenna behind and Kate bringing up the rear. To say Derbyshire is hilly is an understatement.

We headed north east out of Asford through Hassop and up and down to Calver. It was a hard 5 mile slog. On entering Calver, we had a stop for some water and a few photos. I was trying to figure out why my speedometer wasn’t working, it turned out I had put my wheel back on the wrong way (to transport my bike in my mini I had to take the wheel off, put the roof down, put the bike in and put the roof back up). I quickly put it on the right way and consulted the map.

On setting off again, we crossed the A623 towards Grindleford – turning off the main road left before we entered the village. We went up a road that was closed to cars towards Eyam. It was a gorgeous road with lovely views. The only issue was that after leaving Calver, we climbed for at least 2 miles. Although it was slow, we all managed to stay on our bikes. On reaching what we thought was the top, we had a brief stop for water and more photos. We followed the road through Eyam to Foolow where we turned left. It felt like we had just been climbing since leaving Calver. We had a very brief spell on the A623 before turning off back onto quiet lanes.   Still climbing steadily we reached the B6465 where we were supposed to turn left. However, not liking the look of the incline, we decided to go straight on…… Big mistake!

Although none of us like going up, we also do not like going down. And the road we had taken went down. And down and down. We descended slowly, with our breaks on – getting white knuckles.  After at least 10 minutes of going down, we go to the bottom of a valley with steep sides all around. I was hopeful that we would follow the lovely looking river out of the valley but soon the road started to ascend. It was a 1 in 6 climb. I’m not sure what that means, but it was steep. Needless to say, we all dismounted and walked to the top (easier said than done in cleats). When we got to the top of Monsal Head(!) it began to hail. Heavily. It stung our faces. The girls took a quick picture of the view and we mounted our bikes for the last mile down into Ashford.

The Fall

I am not sure what happened, or really how it happened but I think I must’ve been distracted by the hail and the thought of getting back to our cottage a nice hot shower and a glass of wine. Anyway, as we approached the junction, I had my left foot out, ready to put down however, instead of leaning left, I leaned right. With my right foot clipped in, I hit the ground taking most of my weight on my bottom. Having fallen into the road and feeling a bit silly, I jumped up (in pain) and got back on my bike. However, my bike no longer worked. Initially I thought the chain was off however, I had actually broken a piece of metal that attaches the gears to the rear wheel. Therefore, I could not cycle anywhere.

There was no option other than for the girls to cycle back to the cottage while I waited in the cold and rain for Katie to come and pick me up feeling like a bit of an idiot.

Although it felt like ages, it was probably only half an hours wait and I was relieved to get home, have a hot shower and a greatly anticipated glass of wine. I had a lovely shiner on my derrière.

The next day

Unfortunately (fortunately) I tried to get my bike fixed the next day however, the lovely and very helpful lady at High Peak Cycles in Calver didn’t have a piece the right size so I had to come back home with a broken bike.  I was relived to learn that the broken part “is meant to fail” to protect the integrity of the frame of the bike.

Instead of going out for another ride on the Saturday, we spent the afternoon in the Bull Head in Ashford, sampled their lovely pies and enjoyed watching Morris Dancing.

We have all agreed that the next training weekend will be in the mostly flat Cotswolds.

I think the moral of the story is not to stop. As Einstein said “Life is like riding a bicycle, to keep your balance you must keep moving”.

If you would like to sponsor me for the London to Paris Bike ride, click here.

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On Thursday, I went out with Woody for “cleat training’ which consisted of putting my foot in and taking it out. I found that taking my foot out was actually easier than putting it back in. It is quite difficult to locate where the cleat slots in. Sometimes, when it isn’t going in easily, it is easy to get into a bit of a panic. You push down too hard and your foot slips off the pedal.  Luckily, I didn’t do that too many times. The worst was when I took both feet out – I felt totally out of control, which is odd, as you would think I would feel more out of control with my feet clipped in – attached to the bike. It helped that Woody said “feet” every time we approached a junction.

I also mastered drinking while riding. I am still pretty useless at taking one hand off the handlebars, but hopefully it’ll come with confidence and time.

On Friday, Woody, Dave and I went out for a 20-mile ride. It was the route we had done previously, but instead of coming back into Highworth via the Lechlade road, we went along the road from Buscot to Coleshill. Now, one thing I forgot was the killer hill into Coleshill. I took it slow and steady. There was one hairy moment when there was a “car front” and a “car back”. I thought I might fall off. However, I got to the top without dismounting. I was knackered, but I made it. From Coleshill, we went along Fresden Lane (all uphill) and passed Wrag Barn back into Highworth.

It was a pleasant ride. Think I am getting used to these cleats!

If you would like to sponsor me for the London to Paris bike ride in August, click here.

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My fellow London to Paris Cyclist and lovely friend Katie AKA Barbs has written this fab blog.

All the gear and starting to get the idea!
Barbs 2 clip-ins 0

So today was my second ride out on my new road bike and clip-ins!

It started with me fannying around for about 45 minutes, deciding what to wear, getting the bike out, fitting a water bottle holder by myself, yes, that’s right, Allen keys were out, and I wasn’t to be defeated. Then I worried about falling off and the weather, etc. After a bit more procrastinating, I had a word with myself and my slightly sore head (too many red wines last night) and actually got on the bike.

After leaning against my house for 10 minutes, clipping in and out of the bike (looking very strange to the West Bridgfordians passing), I finally plucked up the courage to get going… West Bridgford is full of stops and starts just to make things a little more tricky, but I tried to remain calm and prepped well ahead of each junction!

After about 4 miles, I reached the countryside. That’s when I really settled into the ride and started to relax a little more. And before I knew it, that was 30k done and dusted without falling. 2 rides to me, 0 to the clip-ins.

Tips and hacks from today’s ride:

• Relax those elbows – I’ve noticed when I get nervous, I really tense up and end up with super stiff straight arms.
•  Clip out early – about 20 metres before the junction. I try to remain calm, position my left or right leg nearly at full lock, and clip out to give me plenty of time to play with. It seemed to work today.
• Clip in and out on both sides – I’ve now just about mastered clipping out on both sides. I wanted to make sure I did this to have more flex and ways out when I stopped. On my first ride, my left foot and brain just didn’t connect, but I pushed myself today, and it worked.
• Setting off – I realised today you don’t need to look at your foot when you clip in, you just feel for it and it slots straight in. On my first ride, I was looking down at my foot, trying to place it and ended up all over the shop as my head was down, my balance went out the window.

Still to master

• How many layers to ride in – I was Ok today, but when I stopped for a quick refuel, I soon cooled down and then felt quite cool along with the breeze all the way home.
• The big gears – I managed to use all of them today, but still unsure about the big ones on the left and when to put them to good use!
• Foot position – as I naturally walk with my right foot slightly outwards, I think I need to reflect this position with my shoes and connected clip-in. My left foot/ankle feels a little sore from a forced position this evening.

Until next time.

Barbs x

Barbs is raising money for Macmillan. If you would like to sponsor her, click here.

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This week’s training has comprised of spinning and going to an exercise class which is taken by a friend of mine. The weather has taken a turn for the worse – its cold and with a busy social calendar, I didn’t manage to get out on the road.

Spinning

On Tuesday I went spinning with the Swindon Wheelers at Blunsdon House Hotel.  I wore my new cleats for the first time. I know the art of wearing cleats is getting your foot in and out but I thought it would be good to try them out when there was no chance of falling off.  Which I did manage to do (not fall off).  I did also find cycling a bit easier – being able to pull up with my feet as well as push down. It was a blooming tough session and it seems to get harder every week so I am dreading next Tuesday.

Friday exercise class

Every Friday morning I go to an exercise class run by my friend Pepi James.  It is held at the Swindome at Supermarine.  The class is usually ladies only and varies each week including doing HIIT, circuits, cardio, strength and other exercises.  This week there were 4 of us there.  We started outside (in the dome) and did some jogging, stretches, squats, lunges and sit ups to name but a few exercises.  We then went inside to do circuits, we had a minute doing strength followed by a minutes cardio circuit training.  By the end of the session, my legs were killing. I love it when I actually feel the exercise is working.

Unfortunately, I didn’t get out on the bike because we had a wedding in Derbyshire on Saturday which was absolutely gorgeous and good to catch up with the other girls who are doing the ride.

With the cold weather next week, I’m  not sure I am going to fair much better!

I am doing all of this for a really good cause. If you would like to sponsor me, click here.

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This week, each of us has done some training. Kate has been spinning, Katie has been out on her brand new bike wearing her cliques! Jenna did 12 miles on her new bike – see her Facebook status update (excuse the language)…

The training has officially commenced.

I am quite lucky in that my next-door neighbour, Woody, leads the novice group for Swindon Wheelers. He took me out on a couple of rides last year, and I have been going to the Wheelers’ spinning classes on a Tuesday for the last 4 weeks – dragging my husband begrudgingly along.

This week I have been out on 2 rides on the road, an 18 miler on Friday and a 21 miler today (Sunday).

Here are the details of my first two training rides of 2018 on the long road to Paris.

The 18 miler – three counties circular route from Highworth

On Friday, it was a lovely sunny, almost spring-like day. We started from Highworth. We being me, Woody and Dave (our other neighbour). The ride took us down to the Freke Arms, where we turned right up (hill) into Hannington. We turned right at “the library” – an old phone box now used as a book exchange, down the hill to Hannington Wick. We crossed the Thames onto the decidedly bumpy road to Kempsford.

The bridge over the Thames is where we usually stop for our first Pimms en route to the airshow. There was no stopping today. It is a gorgeous spot and is where Justin (my husband) once took me for a picnic where he cooked up a treat, but that’s another story. Also a good spot for a game of Pooh Sticks. I think it is also the delineation of the border from Wiltshire into Gloucestershire (which may be why the road is so blooming bumpy). In Kempsford, we turned right and along the bottom of Fairford airfield – no planes about today. It’s a long road that takes you through the beautiful Whelford over a gorgeously picturesque stream.

At the end of the road, we turned right onto the busy road to Lechlade. Stopping briefly at Lechlade Garden Centre to have a quick drink. Back in the saddle, we rode through Lechlade, turning right to the Trout and back over the Thames towards Buscott, where we gave a tractor a run for its money. We turned right towards Coleshill and then right again to Buscott Wick. I think at this point we may have been in Oxfordshire. We cycled along the lovely country lane back to the main Highworth to Lechlade road. This is a busy road where cars go too fast. One car passed us so closely, I could’ve stuck my hand out and touched it. It is very annoying that people see a bike and don’t think there is actually a person on it who is quite exposed!

Arriving back at the bottom of Highworth, we just had the hill to tackle. Highworth is the highest town in Wiltshire, and we live at the top of the hill!

We went up Roundhills Mead – made up on 2 hills with a bit of a descent in between. It was a hard slog, but I made it to the top without getting off. It was just a brief cycle down the High Street and home.

We (Dave and his partner Jo, Woody and his partner Martina, me, my husband Justin and our dog Alvie, along with our friend Mark and Ozzy) rewarded ourselves with a visit to the Rose and Crown that evening, where we enjoyed a drink or two.

The 21 Miler – The Freke Arms to Aston Pottery

I woke up this morning daunted at the prospect of going out with a group of cyclists who, although novices, would have a damn site more experience of cycling than I. So I texted Woody to tell him I wasn’t going. At 8 am, still in bed, there was a knock at the door. It was Woody, dropping off the bike (I am currently borrowing Martina’s bike). He hadn’t seen my text. Justin went downstairs to let him in. Woody gave Justin a base layer, full gloves and a little hat for me to wear under my helmet. I couldn’t possibly not go out now. I was meeting Woody and the rest of the group at the Freke at 9.15 am.

Now, not being proficient at riding one-handed or looking over my shoulder yet, I asked Justin if he would drop me off. So after a bowl of porridge, a cup of tea and a scrambled egg, spinach, avocado and cheese wrap, we headed off.

We met Woody and the Wheelers – it was a small group today – Sam (short for Samantha), Roger and Dave. The first thing I noticed was that they all had cliques. I was in my trainers. After brief introductions, we were off.

We followed the same route as the 18 miler until we got to the end of the Whelford road, we went left them right instead of right to Lechlade.

It was actually really lovely to chat with the other people who were in the group. They were really supportive and interested in helping me, giving me tips and generally chatting.

I am not 100% sure of where we went. I know we passed through the beautiful village of Southrop to the Lechlade to Burford road, which we were on for a short time. We turned left off the road and then under the road into Filkins. Then went through Kencott, Alescott, Black Bourton, Bampton, to Aston and some beautiful Cotswold countryside. We pulled into Aston Pottery – a gorgeous little shop and café. I treated myself to a well-earned cup of tea and a slice of coffee and walnut cake.

The rest of the group had another c25 miles back; however, I had arranged for Justin to pick me up. He arrived just as I finished my cake. We had a look around the shop and bought some cards and a lovely French cookbook. On leaving, we were careful not to forget the bike.

I will be blogging about my training over the coming months. I am raising money for Neuroblastoma UK. If you would like to sponsor me, click here.

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