Training Log Archive: Thraws

Keen to do this as I've been feeling a bit better on the back of all the cycling. I was tired from yesterday's ride in the evening but legs seem to have recovered by the morning. Managed to get an all-important place near the start as the numbers and narrow road meant it would be very crowded going up the first hill. Was delighted to have almost a free run for the first fast descent. Kav was ahead but I ignored everyone and concentrated on going as fast as I could comfortably. Went past him on the descent to the cone and got a cheer from Slogs and Luddles heading back. Was quicker than most on the downs and caught Jinks near the top of the final climb into Stopham. After that I just stayed relaxed for the final mile. Crowd support was a boost too. Felt like a return to form of some sort. 9 points too apparently! What would have totally topped off the morning was the sight of Lu heading Tara S and Sarah K back along the road section.

C • Good time 2

That was just the hors d'oeuvres though. Two litres of electrolyte drink, one wrap and a bottle of coke later I was on the bike for Goodwood and the Velo route to Horsham station via Selhurst [variation], Duncton, Coultershaw, Fittleworth, Pulborough, Adversane, Ashington, Ashurst, Partridge Green, Maplehurst, Southwater and Christ's Hospital. No problems to speak off, and some nice rolling stretches between Codmore Hill and PG, but there are plenty of hills as well. Felt rear tyre deflating from around Copsale but somehow or other it managed to get me to the finish without me doing anything. Then it went flat. So, I entered this event because of the opportunity to ride a great route on closed roads. Except I've now ridden it with traffic. Bonkers.

... plus Chidham, Bosham and Colworth loops. Bit disappointed to miss parkrun on such a lovely day as saving legs for tomorrow. So went out instead for an easy third-Velo, adding the Colworth lap at the end to get it past 33 miles. Kept efforts to a minimum but tried to get up on big T48 ring when I could. Ready for two more at the end I reckon. No aches or niggles anywhere. Average speed 12.5 mph.

Right hip and knee were quite bad yesterday evening, so did this for a shakeout. Both were sore for about 3 miles then loosened up. From Chi Marina crossed the fields to East Witt, then walked along the beach to West Witt, round East Head, and back along the edge of the Harbour. Will give the Flyers 5 a go, I think.

The wheels on the bike go round and round. New route: Chilgrove, East Marden, Stoughton, Westbourne, Woodmancote, West Ashling, Bosham, Hoe, home. Enjoyed pretty much every yard of the way (even if my 'challenge' is now being put into perspective by what Justin is achieving). Time absolutely flew by. Didn't need to stop. Really want to ride first half of Velo now. Three weeks left.

Got the 1109 train to Horsham then cycled home along miles 45-100 of the Velo South route. Christs Hospital, Barns Green, Toat Hill, Five Oaks (sandwich stop), A29, A281, Tismans Common, Loxwood, Ifold, Plaistow (protein bars), Shillinglee, Gospel Green, Lickfold, Fernhurst, Milland, Coombe Hill, Rogate, South Harting (protein bars), Harting Hill, Compton, East Ashling, Lavant, Goodwood, home. So many places familiar from walks I've been on round here. Felt pretty much ok but do worry about speed, especially on the many 'little hills' sections. Did manage to get all the way up both the big beasts at the end, which was pleasing, but only saved 20 secs on Harting by not walking! At least the first 45 miles should be a bit quicker? Realised near the finish that for the sake of a single 100 mile closed roads ride, I'm cycling 100s of miles in training on roads where the traffic is sometimes just horrible. Huh?