Focus Variado 2007 vs the Pennines - 2:3
Well, my preparation for the Etape is in dire straits. My accident put me back over 4 weeks and July is looming ever closer. Now that I can't fly down to Italy for a week"s training due to taking too many holidays with my girlfriend (she's such a bad influence!), I need to come up with a
fool-proof plan.
I took my first step to being fit enough to compete by lugging my bike up to first Manchester, where I had some work engagements, and then across to Brighouse, where a good mate and riding companion lives.
Taking a bicycle on the train used to be a nightmare with pre-booking andvarious negotiations required. However, prior to this trip and in advance of a number of upcoming train journey's, I bought a bike bag from Wiggle.co.uk. It was good value for money at £50 and the train staff
didn't say a word about me taking it on the train (however, people everywhere stared as I lugged it around slung over my back. I'm just curious where I'll put it when my bike's not in it as my London flat is tiny!
Now to my cycle... my mate and I did our customary preparations consisting of a carb rich dinner cooked by his lovely wife and accompanies by plenty of wine and we then finshed up by chatting into the wee hours of the night while draining a bottle of Glenmorangie between the two of us. Note to self - the ACDC and Lynyrd Skinnard DVD are a must purchase - they rock!
We set off around 11:00 and for the next 4 1/2 hour we fought wind, hills and traffic. I now understand why my mate is so fit as every cycle tour he does is like a mini-alpine run. The wind was a lovely competitor as it made even some of the downhills a struggle. It was all bad though as at one point we hit 75 kph and my mate managed to get a driver to stop and almost belt him.
The driver had ignore his gesturing to give me space in a corner; however, he did respond to the "wanker" gesticulation and almost punched my mate. He was a small, fat local guy and we suspected the usual "small penis" syndrome.
The next weeks will have me running, getting to the gym and cycling as much as I can. I am even going so far as to lay off alcohol after tomorrow's epic bender. Interesting times lie ahead with my 260 km Ronde de Flonderers on April 5. Let's see how well I can prepare for that!
Well, another trip is brewing and after the fabulous time I had the last time I went, I've decided to go again. However, this time I decided not to do it on my own and take a friend. Believe me, I don't want to be brimming with commentary and not have anyone to share it with... Plus, despite all the people it does get lonely on the road.