What have I done?

I am not the fastest person on a bike, and I'm no way ready for racing yet, but today I signed up for my first time trial! The lads at Vita have organised the TT that will take place in one of the Mersey Tunnels in February,

Due to additional generous sponsorship, entry into the Ten Minutes of Hell is now £25! Entry closes on 27th January, so be quick as spaces are filling fast and there is a 100 rider limit. For more details check out Vita's website: http://www.vitacycles.co.uk/pain_suffering_glory_a_new_year_challenge

The lads also announced today that the Current British National Time Trial Champion Alex Dowsett has signed up to ride the TT.

Alex Dowsett British Time Trial Championship 2011

 Now rather than putting me off it has motivated me to try harder, and although I will probably be at the other end of the time sheet to him, at least I will have been in the same race as him! Not bad for a first race!
So tonight I headed out into the wind to get some miles in, and some efforts into the wind. It wasn't as bad as it has been but the gusts were still strong. I took advantage of mother natures help along the Marine lake in West Kirby to record my fastest time along the 0.6 mile stretch. I need all the help I can get! But I was pleased with a 20mph ave into an energy sapping side wind along the Hoylake to Meols road, which is almost as long as the first leg of the Tunnel TT.

I got a package from Wiggle yesterday, with a new Craft base layer and a pair of Castelli overshoes in, but no Haribo!! I hope the recent sale of the company hasn't affected their usual great service and the omission of my Haribo was an oversight! Anyway, both products were great, the base layer keeping me warm, but wicking well and the overshoes, or Belgian Booties as Castelli call them were brilliant. It was nice not to have to wear the waterproof and warm but constricting  neoprene ones I usually wear. They are well worth a look and are currently in the sale!!

Tonight's Ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/3107109

It's all about the bike

Day 2 of the new regime and it seems to be going ok! No drink, not so much junk eaten and being back at work tomorrow should help  reduce the chocolate intake, and give Claire and the boys a chance to finish it all off at home!!
I rode with Paul tonight, which was great as he got a Moon X-power 500 for Christmas, so when we hit the dark lanes it was like daylight! Having the right kit really helps. It has taken a long time to build up the equipment but it makes such a difference. The right clothes, so I can ride whatever the weather (to quote Shaun, "there is no bad weather just bad clothes"), Tyres that instill confidence what ever the road surface is like, and especially the bike, which with regular maintenance and cleaning, is running as well now as it did when I bought it 6 months ago. So far I have ridden for 152 hours and covered 2400 miles and climbed 28,114m. I wonder what the figures will look like at the end of this year?
Next planned purchases are Mavic Plasma SLR helmet and a pair of Mavic Pro Road Shoes. All donations very welcome!!!

Tonight's ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/3046030

First Spin of 2012

I didn't go far tonight, but I hoped a quick spin would help to start the New Year in the right way. As I mentioned in my last Blog, I am going to work hard on fitness and weight loss this year. I made a resolution to not Drink and so far so good! (although the champagne at midnight did last until about 1 o'clock. Does that count?)
I received a great text from the team coach last night too, which has helped to strengthen my resolve to keep motivated and train hard this year.
Last night I agreed to sign up for the Liverpool Chester charity ride (for the 4th year in a row) but this year I have promised my wife and friends that I will complete the 50 mile loop on my mountain bike, and not on my "Easy Bike" I cant wait!! I did promise to do the same thing last year but peer pressure from the team helped me to change my registration to the 100 mile challenge route! This year, I challenge the Team to join me on mountain bikes!!!

http://www.pennineevents.co.uk/EntryPages/LCL2012.aspx

Tonight's ride details:  http://app.strava.com/rides/3022736