I've done it and signed up...........not to the war..........to do the London to Paris cycle ride!!!!!
http://www.helpthehospices.org.uk/getinvolved/fundraising/events/cycling/arch-to-arc/#.TxFc-KMlqC4.blogger
There's no turning back now!
June 14th-17th 2012
That gives me 5 months to get seriously training/fundraising. I have set up a fundraising webpage
http://www.justgiving.com/Louise-Brookes2012 however I'm not expecting people to necessarily start donating now as I appreciate it is just after Christmas. However, I needed to set it up to give me the motivation to get going.
I had been thinking of doing the ride for ages but could never work out when or for what charity to do it for. Then, last week there came an advert on the Colchester United website advertising this specific ride. I looked at it, spoke to Vince, and decided this is the one. I kept thinking about it for a few days then finally yesterday, Vince birthday and the day my nan died 5 years ago, I signed up to do it. I'm doing it in memory of my nan who died of cancer, also my sister-in-law who died of cancer. The help for hospices seemed a good cause. It starts at Wembley, the home of English football, which is another passion if mine. And it is a challenge, 244 miles in 3 days, which I thrive on.
Bring it on.......................
Saturday, 14 January 2012
Wednesday, 4 January 2012
Happy New Year - 2012
Hello there, apprently the last time I blogged was 17th August 2011.........o dear, didn't last that long.
So, what have I been upto since then:
Well in September-December didn't really do a lot of cycling. The odd commute to work and the army, I did cycle to Colchester in October but only one way (Vince picked me up in the car as we went to the zoo in the afternoon). I haven't managed or tried to get to Norwich yet, but I will possibly in the spring.
Why have I started to blog again now: is it because it's the new year, a new start? Or maybe I'm bored and decided just to write on here? Or am I cycling in these wintery conditions.
Well it's a bit of all three. I hear you say "why cycle in the winter?" It's not really by choice. For those not on facebook won't necessarily have heard that I had a little accident in my car.
If you look close enough you will see that the angle of the front passenger wheel is not right!
The next image is a closer up shot
Not pretty :-( The wheel is completely broken of the driveshaft and as you can see quite a deep indentation of the other vehicle.
Fortunately no-one was hurt......and further forward and Vince could have taken the full force of it. I have to admit 50% liability for the accident however the guy who hit me was going too fast as well.
The unfortunate part of all this is that the insurers have said they're not prepared to fix it due to the age of the vehicle :-( :-( still waiting for them to come and take it and value it to see if I'll actually get any money back of it (after excess)
SO.......hence the cycling.......as I have no car. I can use Vince's when he's not using it, and I have driven it today. The first time driving since the accident (was a bit cautious) but managed to get back behind the wheel. However, Vince needs his car for work so I'm having to use my cycle a lot more.
Thankfully Santa (aka Mum) was kind enough to buy me some new lights and a new saddle
little did I know that I would get to test them out so soon and regularly. The saddle is a female specific posh one.......good for long rides (regular riding).
So far this year: Biked home from friends 1/1/12 then to work (care home 4miles) and back home.
2/1/12 bike to work (4miles)
3/1/12 bike home (4miles) then from home to the army (2miles) then from the army to work (4miles)
4/1/12 home to dr's and back (3miles)
Tomorrow I'll be going to the lifehouse (hostel) which is only 1 mile away, but it's the coming home that is the problem as it's uphill. Although I am getting used to the hill and the more I do it the easier it'll get........I hope.
I'll try and keep going with the updates again........see how long it lasts ;-)
Watch this space :-)
So, what have I been upto since then:
Well in September-December didn't really do a lot of cycling. The odd commute to work and the army, I did cycle to Colchester in October but only one way (Vince picked me up in the car as we went to the zoo in the afternoon). I haven't managed or tried to get to Norwich yet, but I will possibly in the spring.
Why have I started to blog again now: is it because it's the new year, a new start? Or maybe I'm bored and decided just to write on here? Or am I cycling in these wintery conditions.
Well it's a bit of all three. I hear you say "why cycle in the winter?" It's not really by choice. For those not on facebook won't necessarily have heard that I had a little accident in my car.
If you look close enough you will see that the angle of the front passenger wheel is not right!
The next image is a closer up shot
Not pretty :-( The wheel is completely broken of the driveshaft and as you can see quite a deep indentation of the other vehicle.
Fortunately no-one was hurt......and further forward and Vince could have taken the full force of it. I have to admit 50% liability for the accident however the guy who hit me was going too fast as well.
The unfortunate part of all this is that the insurers have said they're not prepared to fix it due to the age of the vehicle :-( :-( still waiting for them to come and take it and value it to see if I'll actually get any money back of it (after excess)
SO.......hence the cycling.......as I have no car. I can use Vince's when he's not using it, and I have driven it today. The first time driving since the accident (was a bit cautious) but managed to get back behind the wheel. However, Vince needs his car for work so I'm having to use my cycle a lot more.
Thankfully Santa (aka Mum) was kind enough to buy me some new lights and a new saddle
little did I know that I would get to test them out so soon and regularly. The saddle is a female specific posh one.......good for long rides (regular riding).
So far this year: Biked home from friends 1/1/12 then to work (care home 4miles) and back home.
2/1/12 bike to work (4miles)
3/1/12 bike home (4miles) then from home to the army (2miles) then from the army to work (4miles)
4/1/12 home to dr's and back (3miles)
Tomorrow I'll be going to the lifehouse (hostel) which is only 1 mile away, but it's the coming home that is the problem as it's uphill. Although I am getting used to the hill and the more I do it the easier it'll get........I hope.
I'll try and keep going with the updates again........see how long it lasts ;-)
Watch this space :-)
Wednesday, 17 August 2011
Tour of Spain - Vuelta a Espana
On Saturday the tour of Spain starts. Check out the official web page for the top information
http://www.lavuelta.com/11pr/en/recorrido/vuelta.html
Starts in Benidorm, heads south to the Sierra Nevada, across to Cordoba, along the border of Spain/Portugal, across to Salamanca, into the north-western part of Spain, and across northern Spain to Bilbao before heading to Madrid at the end.
They cycle about 2000 miles over 23 days (only 2 days not cycling).........that's pure endurance.
I cheer on Team Sky
http://www.teamsky.com/
and or Mark Cavendish (Isle of Man) http://www.markcavendish.co.uk/ from HTC high road. He is the best sprinter on a bike in the world. He does approx 100miles THEN sprints to the end!!!
Looking forward to this new event (in my brain).......although it's been going for about 66 years
I just never knew :-)
http://www.lavuelta.com/11pr/en/recorrido/vuelta.html
Starts in Benidorm, heads south to the Sierra Nevada, across to Cordoba, along the border of Spain/Portugal, across to Salamanca, into the north-western part of Spain, and across northern Spain to Bilbao before heading to Madrid at the end.
They cycle about 2000 miles over 23 days (only 2 days not cycling).........that's pure endurance.
I cheer on Team Sky
http://www.teamsky.com/
and or Mark Cavendish (Isle of Man) http://www.markcavendish.co.uk/ from HTC high road. He is the best sprinter on a bike in the world. He does approx 100miles THEN sprints to the end!!!
Looking forward to this new event (in my brain).......although it's been going for about 66 years
I just never knew :-)
Tuesday, 16 August 2011
Didn't succeed :-(
Today I'd planned to bike to Colchester and back........I managed to bike to Colchester (that isn't much of a challenge now), but not back.
I decided that I would bike there, go and see Mr Smith then bike home. I went to the Priory centre first to help Juliet, and didn't leave till about 12pm (due to sitting and having tea/chat). I went along the A137 http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/61922596 as that is the easiest route TO Colchester. I find it good as I can pace myself, and know exactly where I am in relation to reaching my target.
First mark point is the house I left my motorbike when I got a puncture (not too far from Ipswich)
Second mark point is Manningtree railway
Third mark point is the big strawberry at Foxash (where I sometimes took Rob Swan to football)
Fourth mark point is Ardleigh
Then I'm at Colchester :-)
I then had to cycle the other end of Colchester to see Mr Smith (past the train station). It was 2pm by the time I got there. We was sat catching up on all the gossip/news, and we were talking for longer than I'd originally planned. By 4:40pm I decided I couldn't ride home for 2 reasons. Firstly that I wouldn't get home till late and secondly I couldn't be bothered. So I got the train back. Plus the thought of cycling past the train station then cycling home..........couldn't work out the logic ;-)
Once I got back to Ipswich I had to bike from the station to home, didn't make it up Lansdeer Hill without stopping.
I'm now feeling tired zzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzz plus Colchester United are losing which is making me fall asleep.
The tour de Espana starts on Saturday which I'm going to try and watch. Never knew there was a Tour de Espana until I've started following the professional cycling calender. Come on Team Sky, or Mark Cavendish (HTC highroad) for the sprints.
Seen some nice bikes advertised on facebook today
They are from the
Should anyone want to buy me one, feel free :-)
I decided that I would bike there, go and see Mr Smith then bike home. I went to the Priory centre first to help Juliet, and didn't leave till about 12pm (due to sitting and having tea/chat). I went along the A137 http://www.mapmyride.com/workout/61922596 as that is the easiest route TO Colchester. I find it good as I can pace myself, and know exactly where I am in relation to reaching my target.
First mark point is the house I left my motorbike when I got a puncture (not too far from Ipswich)
Second mark point is Manningtree railway
Third mark point is the big strawberry at Foxash (where I sometimes took Rob Swan to football)
Fourth mark point is Ardleigh
Then I'm at Colchester :-)
I then had to cycle the other end of Colchester to see Mr Smith (past the train station). It was 2pm by the time I got there. We was sat catching up on all the gossip/news, and we were talking for longer than I'd originally planned. By 4:40pm I decided I couldn't ride home for 2 reasons. Firstly that I wouldn't get home till late and secondly I couldn't be bothered. So I got the train back. Plus the thought of cycling past the train station then cycling home..........couldn't work out the logic ;-)
Once I got back to Ipswich I had to bike from the station to home, didn't make it up Lansdeer Hill without stopping.
I'm now feeling tired zzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzz zzzzzzzzzzzzz plus Colchester United are losing which is making me fall asleep.
The tour de Espana starts on Saturday which I'm going to try and watch. Never knew there was a Tour de Espana until I've started following the professional cycling calender. Come on Team Sky, or Mark Cavendish (HTC highroad) for the sprints.
Seen some nice bikes advertised on facebook today
They are from the
Should anyone want to buy me one, feel free :-)
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Back on it............
Ok, so I haven't been on here for nearly a month :-( because I haven't been doing a lot of riding. A mixture of reasons: weather, being too busy looking after garden, and being away on holiday.
While Vince was away from the 9th July I was responsible for looking after the garden. It wasn't a simple job of just watering. It involved watering, weeding, pruning, spraying, cropping (blanching and freezing)..........took a good 1 1/2 hours each day, so didn't have time for any big rides. I may have biked to work a couple of times but nothing major.
The 2nd week the weather was terrible. It was raining most days, which I didn't mind too much as it saved time with the gardening, but it really wasn't cycling weather (unless you're in the Tour de France). This is the first year I've ever watched the TDF and I must say I was impressed........they are the professionals!!! http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/COURSE/us/le_parcours.html
Vince came back on Thursday 21st, however I then went away on the 23rd. I did think about taking my bike with me to Cheltenham (music school) but then reality kicked in and decided that I wouldn't have time, or the inclination to do any biking while I was there.
I have set myself a new challenge for next year though, I want to try and get up Leckie Hill (Leckhampton Hill).
http://www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/leckhampton_hill.asp?area=Leckhampton%2C+Bath+Road
for those around the area, or who have been up it know how much of a challenge that will be.
I returned from holiday on Saturday 30th July, and knew that I needed to get back on my bike (after eating like I had for the past week). I coudn't bike to the army Sunday morning as I had to take my instrument(S) back. I did bike in the evening though which felt good.
I then got back on the bike to cycle to work on Monday. Tuesday I biked to the Priory centre (such a long distance!!!!!! 0.7miles) Wednesday had to take my car to the garage so I put my bike in the car and cycled from the garage to work. At 8:30pm it decided to chuck it down, mixed with bit of thunder, so a colleague (very kind one) offered to put my bike in her car and give me a lift home :-)
When I arrived home Wednesday night I had a big parcel waiting for me :-) my mum had sent me some waterproof trousers, a cycle helmet and some new boots (courtesy of a famous postal delivery service.......better not advertise it). I was quite surprise the cycle helmet looked ok. The boots were brilliant and the trousers were.......a little on the large size but still ok.
I had to bike to the hostel thursday morning as my car was still in the garage. The problem was that it was slightly raining which meant I got to check out the waterproof trousers. They did the job, even if I do need to adjust them. I collected my car at lunchtime so put the bike in the back of the car again.
So today I decided I needed to get back to some bigger rides. It was looking rather cloudy so I just popped over to Felixstowe and back (20mile round trip) via Aldi's on the way back to get some shopping. I was back in time for the kick-off to the new season :-) and what a start 4-2 win away from home COME ON THE U's!!!
I hope to bike to the hall tomorrow, subject to the weather :-)
Even with only little bit through the week still clocked up about 35 miles this week :-)
http://www.mapmyride.com/
It's good to be back :-)
While Vince was away from the 9th July I was responsible for looking after the garden. It wasn't a simple job of just watering. It involved watering, weeding, pruning, spraying, cropping (blanching and freezing)..........took a good 1 1/2 hours each day, so didn't have time for any big rides. I may have biked to work a couple of times but nothing major.
The 2nd week the weather was terrible. It was raining most days, which I didn't mind too much as it saved time with the gardening, but it really wasn't cycling weather (unless you're in the Tour de France). This is the first year I've ever watched the TDF and I must say I was impressed........they are the professionals!!! http://www.letour.fr/2011/TDF/COURSE/us/le_parcours.html
Vince came back on Thursday 21st, however I then went away on the 23rd. I did think about taking my bike with me to Cheltenham (music school) but then reality kicked in and decided that I wouldn't have time, or the inclination to do any biking while I was there.
I have set myself a new challenge for next year though, I want to try and get up Leckie Hill (Leckhampton Hill).
http://www.cheltenham4u.co.uk/leckhampton_hill.asp?area=Leckhampton%2C+Bath+Road
for those around the area, or who have been up it know how much of a challenge that will be.
I returned from holiday on Saturday 30th July, and knew that I needed to get back on my bike (after eating like I had for the past week). I coudn't bike to the army Sunday morning as I had to take my instrument(S) back. I did bike in the evening though which felt good.
I then got back on the bike to cycle to work on Monday. Tuesday I biked to the Priory centre (such a long distance!!!!!! 0.7miles) Wednesday had to take my car to the garage so I put my bike in the car and cycled from the garage to work. At 8:30pm it decided to chuck it down, mixed with bit of thunder, so a colleague (very kind one) offered to put my bike in her car and give me a lift home :-)
When I arrived home Wednesday night I had a big parcel waiting for me :-) my mum had sent me some waterproof trousers, a cycle helmet and some new boots (courtesy of a famous postal delivery service.......better not advertise it). I was quite surprise the cycle helmet looked ok. The boots were brilliant and the trousers were.......a little on the large size but still ok.
I had to bike to the hostel thursday morning as my car was still in the garage. The problem was that it was slightly raining which meant I got to check out the waterproof trousers. They did the job, even if I do need to adjust them. I collected my car at lunchtime so put the bike in the back of the car again.
So today I decided I needed to get back to some bigger rides. It was looking rather cloudy so I just popped over to Felixstowe and back (20mile round trip) via Aldi's on the way back to get some shopping. I was back in time for the kick-off to the new season :-) and what a start 4-2 win away from home COME ON THE U's!!!
I hope to bike to the hall tomorrow, subject to the weather :-)
Even with only little bit through the week still clocked up about 35 miles this week :-)
http://www.mapmyride.com/
It's good to be back :-)
Saturday, 9 July 2011
Increase in distance :-)
Today I decided to go for a bike ride as I was left home alone. My husband has gone on holiday with his son, so I thought I could go for a longer bike ride as I don't have to be home by a certain time. I had done some planned routes around the Wattisham area. The original plan was a 35 miles round trip. However I ended up doing aroun 37-38 miles.
My little computer said 38miles however Mapmyride said it was 36 miles, so I'm saying it was 37miles.
The stats according to my little computer:
Distance: 38:11
Time: 3h:26m:40s
Max Speed: 31.4mph
Average Speed: 11mph
When I got home I could feel it in my knees/legs. Also my face feels a bit burnt, I need to learn to put on suncream before I go out.
It gave me a chance to wear my new jacket that Vince bought me :-) it was a little bit too hot really and I did take it off half way round. It is a very nice hi-vis, waterproof, cycling jacket and I am very pleased with it.
Not sure how I'm going to feel in the morning as I think I may have pushed myself today. I think it is good to keep pushing on, but think it might start to feel sore soon.
This is the route I took:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/40713448
that's all for now, feeling bit sleepy.......................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
My little computer said 38miles however Mapmyride said it was 36 miles, so I'm saying it was 37miles.
The stats according to my little computer:
Distance: 38:11
Time: 3h:26m:40s
Max Speed: 31.4mph
Average Speed: 11mph
When I got home I could feel it in my knees/legs. Also my face feels a bit burnt, I need to learn to put on suncream before I go out.
It gave me a chance to wear my new jacket that Vince bought me :-) it was a little bit too hot really and I did take it off half way round. It is a very nice hi-vis, waterproof, cycling jacket and I am very pleased with it.
Not sure how I'm going to feel in the morning as I think I may have pushed myself today. I think it is good to keep pushing on, but think it might start to feel sore soon.
This is the route I took:
http://www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/40713448
that's all for now, feeling bit sleepy.......................zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Sunday, 3 July 2011
Biked to Colchester AGAIN :-)
Mission 2 done again. I biked from Ipswich to Colchester, however this time I went a different way. Also I went at a different time of day. When I did the mission last time I left early morning, whereas this time I went after work. Yes note that, after a days work (8-5......well finished at 4). I think it helped going later in the day as my muscled had got warmed up. Also I went along the A137 this time, whereas last time I went across country "south suffolk cycle route".
I thought to myself "it took 3 hours last time, I want to get it down to 2 1/2 hours"
Well, I did it in 1 hour 38 mins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was surprised how quick I did it. It was only 5 miles shorter along the A137, but it is a much better surface as it is a fairly main road. Not too main that it is dangerous. Another advantage of this route is that I know the road very well (unlike the country route) and it is just one road all the way there. The other good advantage of this route was that there was quite a few down hills and not so many up hills. I'm not sure I'd want to come back that way because it would be more up hills.
The official stats (according to my little computer)
distance: 20.03miles
max speed: 31.7mph (speedy gonzales)
average speed: 12.2mph
Time: 1h:38m:24s
Certainly beats stats for the last time. However, my effort seems very little in comparison to Steve Hanovers. The reason I biked to Colchester this time was because they were having a bbq/music evening to raise money for "Life of Linda" charity 900 mile cycle and tenor horn ride. See website
http://www.lifeoflynda.com/Life_of_Lynda/Welcome.html
I hold my hands up to the bloke, he (and the team) done brilliant. It is coming to a climax as I type, with a final concert in London tonight. They started in Inverness, Scotland and have biked 900miles down to London, doing various concerts along the way. They are hoping to raise £50,000 for 2 charities.
It makes me think about increasing my challenge..........but I think I'll stick to the Paris one for starters.
Having constantly updating my record of cycle rides, I have totalled about 157 miles for the whole of June
http://www.mapmyride.com/workouts/?
and over 200 miles since I have been keeping record :-)
I could feel the pain of the cycling on my arms tonight (you use your arms as well when cycling, especially up hill) when I was trying to play the piano. My "extensor carpi radialis" on my right arm was killing me, but they say no pain no gain ;-)
I am trying to work out my next long distance ride. Mission 3 was to go to Norwich by the end of July......not sure if that'll happen by end of July, definitly will do in August, but think July would be pushing it. Looking at a 35-40mile ride next (Norwich is 50+)
Watch for an update..................
I thought to myself "it took 3 hours last time, I want to get it down to 2 1/2 hours"
Well, I did it in 1 hour 38 mins!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was surprised how quick I did it. It was only 5 miles shorter along the A137, but it is a much better surface as it is a fairly main road. Not too main that it is dangerous. Another advantage of this route is that I know the road very well (unlike the country route) and it is just one road all the way there. The other good advantage of this route was that there was quite a few down hills and not so many up hills. I'm not sure I'd want to come back that way because it would be more up hills.
The official stats (according to my little computer)
distance: 20.03miles
max speed: 31.7mph (speedy gonzales)
average speed: 12.2mph
Time: 1h:38m:24s
Certainly beats stats for the last time. However, my effort seems very little in comparison to Steve Hanovers. The reason I biked to Colchester this time was because they were having a bbq/music evening to raise money for "Life of Linda" charity 900 mile cycle and tenor horn ride. See website
http://www.lifeoflynda.com/Life_of_Lynda/Welcome.html
I hold my hands up to the bloke, he (and the team) done brilliant. It is coming to a climax as I type, with a final concert in London tonight. They started in Inverness, Scotland and have biked 900miles down to London, doing various concerts along the way. They are hoping to raise £50,000 for 2 charities.
It makes me think about increasing my challenge..........but I think I'll stick to the Paris one for starters.
Having constantly updating my record of cycle rides, I have totalled about 157 miles for the whole of June
http://www.mapmyride.com/workouts/?
and over 200 miles since I have been keeping record :-)
I could feel the pain of the cycling on my arms tonight (you use your arms as well when cycling, especially up hill) when I was trying to play the piano. My "extensor carpi radialis" on my right arm was killing me, but they say no pain no gain ;-)
I am trying to work out my next long distance ride. Mission 3 was to go to Norwich by the end of July......not sure if that'll happen by end of July, definitly will do in August, but think July would be pushing it. Looking at a 35-40mile ride next (Norwich is 50+)
Watch for an update..................
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)