Cotswolds, Cake and Climbing

Took my bike on a weekend holiday with my mates to the Cotswolds, and despite the copious amounts of alcohol consumed, I managed to get out for a couple of rides on it.

On Saturday I led our slightly hungover peloton on a loop ride from Tetbury.

The main climb on the first half of the ride was a punchy 12% out of the village of Uley, which strung out the group a bit. The descent into Stroud was great fun with some fast, sweeping bends (and the occasional cattle grid). Half-time refuelling came courtesy of the Lockkeeper's Café in Stroud.

 

 

Was able to really attack out of the saddle on Butterrow Hill and maintain a good speed all the way up the climb. After that we rolled across the heathland at the top before hammering along the approach back to Tetbury.

 

 

 

Good ride and lots of fun.

 





Went out for a 23km TT today - good course with a couple of short climbs to get the heartrate going. Averaged 33.3km/h - not bad given the amount of wine, cocktails and rich food consumed the night before.

Put Me Back On My Bike

After 2 weeks in Africa (there are some great cycling roads in Uganda and Rwanda - must take the bike next time!), my attention has turned to starting to get myself back into shape.

I've put on 1.5kg since the Etape, and I also have the Great South Run to train for in October.

I've already entered a couple of sportives for either side of Christmas, and have registered my interest for the Etape Caledonia in May. The centrepiece of my training, however, will be an attempt to join the Club des Cingles in May.

Membership of the club is fairly straightforward. All you have to do is cycle up all three ascents of Mont Ventoux. In one day. There's a reason why cingles translates as 'screwballs'

The 5,000m of climbing mirrors the Marmotte very well, albeit over a shorter distance and a much more relaxed time schedule - lunch at Chalet Reynard anyone?