The Training Started

Well, the training has now started for the 50 mile PEAK DISTRICT ride, organised by "Bike Events".

 I completed this ride last year with Shent (another mechanic from another local garage).

 Allthough the distance wasnt really a problem, I wasnt prepared for the hills that went up hill for miles on end. Its a circular ride so for every up hill section there s a down hill ride after, but last year I wasnt recovering on the downhill ride  from the previous uphill slog, so I soon run out of energy and had to walk up many of the hill sections.

 I completed the 50 miles in 6 and 3/4 hours.

 This year I would like to knock an hour off that time so Im doing more hill climbing training.

Over the Bridgewater canal, after first
mile of the climb

Looking backwards
doesnt look too steep, but look how
the hedgerow falls and how low
the horizon is.



 Ive tried to find the largest hills in the area and have been cycling a 10 mile route 4 times a week.

 Ive been doing this for the last 3 weeks. Its getting easier now so ive now stretched the ride to 20 miles which I intend to do 2-3 times a week.
 As the date for the ride gets closer (19 May) I will be doubling the distance to 40 miles at least once.   

Looking up hill past the entrance
to Walton golf course. Its uphill now
for 5 miles

At the top of Hill Cliffe
looking over Warrington

NOT BAD FOR A FAT LAD !