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| 2012: Return to the Etape
2011 was good. Very good. Finishing the Marmotte, riding the C2C, and building a new "winter" bike. All part of making it such an enjoyable biking year. How to follow that was my problem.
Well, we shall have to see. In the end I was unable to resist the challenge of what looks like an incredibly tough Etape du Tour, the 197km stage from Pau to Luchon. Just 4 Pyrenean climbs, a mere 5200m of ascent. I suspect I will be tired at the end of that! But what else? Well, Team Geri Atrics are on tour again, returning to Mallorca in March, and Paul and I will be heading to the Pyrenees in May to reacquaint oursleves with Pyractif hospitality. And no doubt, Helen and I will find some fresh challenges to stretch her riding through the year. So, all in all, it promises much. So, here goes...February 5th 2012 My bike is a bit of a stranger at the moment. The weather continues to make it difficult so I have resorted to cross-training, donning hiking boots and seeking out the snowy slopes of the Lakeland and Snowdonia hills (the shot here was taken on the summit of Arenig Fawr last Thursday). Whilst the lack of bike time is frustrating, the time spent on the hills has been wonderfully enjoyable. At least I have my Concept 2 rowing machine parked up in my living room to retain some sanity! Hopefully, before too long, my bike wheels will be rolling again.
Totals for January
Distance ridden: 330km
Total ascent: 2760m January 25th 2012 So January is almost behind us and the winds continue to make life difficult for us would-be cyclists. Having been out twice during the last week in conditions that make staying upright tricky to say the least I have to say I am getting a bit fed up of our winter. Last year it was ice and frost, now it is wind and rain (albeit no cold). At the moment the Pyrenees in July seems a long way away. I am consoling myself with the thought that in less than 2 months I shall be riding the roads that Team Sky have been using for winter training in Mallorca this last couple of weeks - and can't wait!
One last point. Chester City Council is being urged to consider a 20mph limit in residential areas, something which benefits not just cyclists, but local residents too. It stokes a vigorous debate with the car lobby, but evidence suggests that such speed limits are effective in reducing road casualties. It's worth pointing out that Chester markets itself as a"cycle city", it would be nice to see some evidence of this. Check it out at
http://road.cc/content/news/51115-campaigners-call-blanket-20mph-speed-limit-zones-chester
January 15th 2012The year has been slow to start, bike-wise. Wind and rain have made getting out uninviting. So, instead, I have contented myself with some tough sessions on my new Concept 2 rower, which is so handy. A 30 minute session at the end of a long day at work freshens the mind and sooths the soul. Well, something like that!
And today we have enjoyed some sharp, proiper winter weather, with frost and clear skies. Cold, but well wrapped up, we were able to venture out for a sociable 40 mile stretch down the A6 from Carlisle to Penrith and back. A small peloton, some 10 or so in number, we took it steady and enjoyed some good craic. Just how a ride should be at this time of year. On top of a rather enjoyable 50 mile sally into the Cheshire lanes on Thursday that is the sum total of my riding so far. Hardly the start to my Etape training program I had envisaged. But there is time yet. So long as I'm not still saying that in March.
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