Kit shakedown....

This weekend was about 2 things: set up for the All Day Spin at work on Monday and also finesse my packing list and do a test pack. Both appear to have worked out ok and I am looking forward to tomorrow's fundraiser. I'm still not sure about re-positioning the computer on the back wheel so I can get an idea of the 'mileage' covered tomorrow, it would be interesting to know but might be more hastle than it's worth.

My kit weighs in at 19kg which matches back to the theoretical packing list weight. It includes a few more tools that become essential if a spoke goes (the cassette might have to come off depending which side the spoke breaks on). It packs well with some spare space for food bought and eaten during the day. I've even included my backpacking kettle which may sound excessive but it does boil water a whole lot faster than a pan with a dodgy frying pan lid. Brews boost morale and get the job done!

This morning's ride was hilly around the White Horse at Uffington, I had my slick tyres on and a fully loaded bike. Knees and all the other bits seem ok and we did push on a bit - if I was touring I would take it a bit slower. Everything seems to be going nicely at the moment.....

Spence and me on top of White Horse Hill - smart choice today: winter gloves and jacket....

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Confidence is rising....

A good couple of rides at the weekend with Spence and also a couple of chaps from the village - one of whom completed LEJOG two years ago. It's good to have an experienced ear to sound out issues with; generally, I think I am getting most of the stuff right in terms of training and kit.

Training has been busy this week, mainly spin based with circuits today plus a session in the gym on Monday. My goal is to maintain fitness and strength without getting injured between now and 11th May….I believe I am ready to do this ride now.

I was invited to present my project at a business club meeting this morning at Unipart, something that I do not do well but, given the subject matter it was a lot easier than I thought it would be. The audience was warm and engaging asking plenty of questions. We exchanged cards and #tags etc; hopefully a good opportunity to raise some more sponsorship.

The rest of this week will be spent preparing for the All Day Spin at Unipart on Monday. I still need to get hold of the turbo trainer but apart from that - all sorted. My bike will need a good clean before then though.

Progress!

I have come to a decision about the final route, I'm not changing it and will just have to put up with the steep climb to Shap at the end of a an 80 mile day. It might take longer and I might have a 101 mile day to cover following that but I have little choice given the number of days I have chosen to do the challenge in and a reasonable distribution of daily mileages. It will just make this section harder but then the last few days are fairly easy in terms of mileage. I think I will just have to suck it up and see - if I real can't carry on to Shap then I'll just have to doss somewhere.

I would like to stay in Kendall at a recomended B & B (the owners are bike nuts and 'sort you out' when you arrive). There is 18 miles between Kendall and Shap with an hours climbing at the end of it. I can't help that, the hill will be there the following morning so I will have to do it at some point. Once I have climbed to Shap and done the following 101 miles things should get easier for the next couple of days. The other positive is that by Day 6, I should be settling into the tour by then.

Training has been getting back to normal and my knee is feeling good. Last Sunday I decided to cycle to Oxford, through the town centre and up the Woodstock Road and then on to Woodstock. Coffee and cake came to a whopping £5.35 in a crappy cafe with indignent types reading the Times. I annoyed them all by sweating heavily - the weather was awesome. Back to Summertown to watch Ben playing football at Cuttslowe Park and then home via the A34. The point about this trip was that I went at a slowish pace (above tour pace though) which put very little stress on my legs. I finished it in great shape and not really that hungry. It was relaxed and enjoyable; I tried not to think of reaching the end of the ride and I kept the computer on time referring to the mileage only occassionally.

CDC have sent through all of their fund raising material along with a large banner for my spin events - all systems go now. I've even got some old fashioned collection tins (made of plastic of course).

Finally, I could have trained at the gym this evening and I could cycle tomorrow but I am resting; I have trained everyday for the last 6 days. I will go to the gym tomorrow evening and start a-fresh, I just don't want to upset my knee. I'm ready to start the challenge now; more training just risks injury and I will not get that much stronger and fitter. The clock is well and truly running; train tickets now booked from Reading to Truro and the bike has a reservation too.

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Easy Start to the week

Still got an achy knee but much better following the enforced rest. Cycled Tuesday, spin today and circuits tomorrow. See what it's like and try to cycle on Friday.

Must book the plane and train tickets soon.

Things at a low ebb

Today should have been a top day for training and LEJOG planning but it's turned out a little different. My knee is sore and I have decided to lay off anything that will aggrevate it over the weekend. I was supposed to be circuit training at lunch time and cycling to work but I binned that too.

Good meeting with Phil Tynan this evening in the Royal Oak, Wantage. Phil did LEJOG last year in 9 days and has left me in no doubt as to how much of a challenge this is; not just physically but also mentally. I am strong in the mental department (or is it that I am just mental?) but I am having doubts about how comfortable the ride will be for my knee. It doesn't really matter how much it hurts, the ride will get done. When I can't put up with the discomfort any more there are drugs but they are addictive and make you feel a bit squiffy - I'm not keen on taking them like smarties.

If I had to do this ride now (assuming normal knee conditions) I could do it. My backside would be wrecked and so would my legs but I would make it because I am bike fit; I'm strong and used to exercise. I have the right attitude and I have planned in contingencies should things go wrong. I have a number of supportive family and friends who are my back up albeit remotely. I know about good nutrition and hydration. It's all good.

But I am feeling a lack of confidence and have a non committal mood, I need to get back on the bike and prove that my knee is still good. The doctor said that discomfort and inflamation do not mean lasting damage but that is no comfort when it hurts. Cricket at Challow has ruined me over the 30 years I have been playing there, I know a lot of bowlers who have packed up because of the pounding their knees have taken on the concrete hard clay at Challow.

As a result of our meeting, I will be adjusting my over night stops to make sure the big climbs are met with fresh legs. More admin; I love it....