Training Log Archive: Duncan

Nice ride out first to see Cosford Air Show (bi-planes, Red Arrows, Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a Swiss fighter, Avro Vulcan, something else) then round on a route I found across the Weald Moors which was sort of route I bought a cyclocross bike for - over 4k of off-road. Was trying to find a motocross race but that had finished so headed back towards Wellington for food and then very steadily back over the Wrekin, Little Wenlock and Coalbrookdale and up Church Road to Madeley.

Was a lot longer than looked on the map. Was more than a red. I wasn't very athletic.

Warm drizzle dusk run round Brookside and Silkin Way.

Over the gorge and back east to the flat. First local bike ride from home. Exploring roads I'd not even driven before. Managed to get a top 10 strava segments on a lengthy climb, which was surprising! Did feel very on it and fast a lot if the time. Maybe a different bike makes a difference after all. A bit if a poke around Brockton/Kemberton/Evelith/The Hem incl a bit of off road. Then a bit of an undulating route across Brookside/Aqueduct to home which would a tough little finish at pace.

Was definitely racing for position not time. Felt awful on the lower slopes of the way up (maybe warm-up should have been more intense). No one could produce a map beforehand or on the night (surely one is required for good practice safety reasons?). Driving there it looked like the coolest hill ever - and probably actually did have a 45-degree slope. Running the course it was one of the uncoolest ever, with a lot of flat running on a forest road. And only one, very brief, steep climb. Niceish hill top and views but there's more exploring to be done. Was second most of the way up but got in front a little before the top.

C • O map 2

Was too late for a Newport CC 10mile TT but did the route (to the railfreight roundabout) anyway plus an extra loop around the east side of town at the end. Didn't have a watch/phone so don't know the time.

Eat a cooked breakfast on an empty stomach. Sick in various places. Think there's also a slight niggle in my left knee. Probably going to skip the fell race.