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

New years eve Team Vita Ride

My last ride of 2011 was fittingly a Team Vita ride. It's thanks to the support and motivation of riding with the guys that I have managed to loose 2 stone, and increase my fitness this year. I cant believe how quickly the last 9 months, 3073miles and 34,377meters of climbing have gone!! But there is always room for improvement. And I realised that more than ever today, when after a week of overindulgence and little time in the saddle, I had to leave the Team ride as I was struggling to keep up.
 9 of us started out from the Shop, and the pace was good, with everyone taking a turn in the front. We were headed for Chester and then a loop round the back of the city and back via Eureka. Along the way Dave decided to change the route and turned towards Wales, which was not my idea of fun after bailing from Tinsel Spin earlier this week, but I decided to give it a go and enjoyed the ride until we hit the first proper climb. It wasn't a massive climb, only just over a mile and an average incline of 3.6%, but I struggled and had to stop to get my breath at the top before coasting down the other side to meet up with the others who were waiting for me. I decided then that Wales wasn't the place for me today, so I turned to head back on my own. I hadn't been to Ewloe before, and wasn't sure of the way, but headed in what I thought was the right direction!! After a little detour round an industrial estate, I eventually found my way to the Dee Path, and started the 3 mile slog into a not quite head, but still very energy sapping, wind. The Path can be great when in a group or when there is no wind, but not so kind when you are on your own!! It is our little bit of Holland in the North West!!

I made it to Eureka for a pit stop, which as always was busy,

and then headed home. I saw Ian on the way through Irby, who was fixing his second puncture in two days. He seems to have taken my puncture curse from me, I hope!!! We then rode together into Greasby.

I made a decision today. I think that to keep increasing my fitness and loose weight, I am going to resolve to give up alcohol in 2012!! I don't drink excessively, but I have certainly noticed how it has affected me over the last couple of weeks, and also the weight I have put back on because of it. So now it is in black an white  here, I shall have to keep to it!

Here are today's ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/2989541

I hope everyone has a great New Years eve celebration, and that 2012 will be happy and prosperous for you all.

Tinselspin attempt!!

The day didn't get off to a great start! Whoever invented the Snooze button is responsible for me rushing this morning to get to Paul's in time to head off for Tinselspin. We arrived at the Shippons in Irby and waited for the group to turn up. There were 12 in total, and a disappointing lack of tinsel and Christmas adornments to bikes, only Ian, Dave and myself had decorated our bikes, and Jeff had a bow on his helmet!

We headed out with the intention of riding into the wind to Llandegla for a brew, then back with the wind behind us.
All was going well as we motored down the Chester high Road, I even set a PB on a Strava Segment (but I'm not obsessed, honestly!) until we turned and headed West towards Wales. The wind was gusty and strong and made the going much slower, I did a turn on the front for a bit, and that was where it all went wrong! The wind proved too much for my chest, and I couldn't get oxygen in quick enough to keep the pace up. Luckily (but not for John) there was a puncture, and I managed to recover a bit, but when Ross said he was heading back as he had to go to work, and Jeff, Alex and Sean said they were joining him I didn't need to be asked twice! The problem was that the other 4 got going while I phoned Paul, who was with the rest of the group further up the road, to let him know we were heading back, so I rode back to Eureka on my own, trying to reel them in. It was frustrating as I could see them in the distance, but couldn't close the gap. I suppose Eight wheels are better than two. I did manage to close the gap considerably enough to get to Eureka just behind them, but I was completely done in! A coffee and a slice of Chocolate and Peanut butter pie helped the recovery, and soon we were off again, with the other 4 looking to bag some Strava KOM's on the way back. I stayed with them through Puddington and into Neston, but didn't fancy Boathouse Lane so headed back on my own.
I am disappointed that I didn't make it to Llandegla, but sometimes you have to listen to your body rather than your ego!!!

Today's ride details: http://app.strava.com/rides/2929431

Thanks to Dave @dodgyd and Ian @ian_fagan for organising the ride, maybe next time I'll get to the end!!