Two interval sessions on the turbo trainer this week totalling about 65km.
Off to the USA on Saturday, so that's me done for a while, although there is the chance of a ride in the deserts of Utah if I can secure a hire bike.
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| It's not Surrey... |
Thursday 10 April 2014
Saturday 5 April 2014
It's Not Quite Alpe d'Huez, But...
Set out today with the intention of doing 130km and taking in some short but very steep climbs. This was scuppered by fog outside the M25 and me having no lights and dark clothing on.
Instead I decided to have a crack at 10 ascents of Box Hill, a ride I've not done since last spring.
Gave the first ascent the full beans and felt really good. A bit disappointed not to beat my PB - I was 6 seconds too slow. After that I tried to stay out of the red for the next 8 climbs, but still maintain a decent pace (my slowest ascent was 9:41 compared to the initial romp of 7:27). For the final climb, I gave it everything I had left, and was happy with a time of 7:44.
It's not a difficult climb, but with it's consistent gradient and smooth surface, Box Hill really does goad you into keeping the tempo high and to push hard whenever you can. That, plus the view and the number of cyclists testing themselves on it makes cycling up the zig-zag road a pleasurable experience (even 10 times over)
Absolutely bombed home with a hint of tailwind for a decent overall time.
Off on holiday for 2 weeks next weekend, so apart from 1-2 turbo sessions this week, that's my training done for April. Not ideal, but I get the feeling a break from flogging myself on the bike might actually do me some good.
Straight back into it in May though, with the Etape Caledonia, then a crack at joining the Cingles of Ventoux club in Provence at the end of the month. That might involve a bit more climbing than today's effort!
Set out today with the intention of doing 130km and taking in some short but very steep climbs. This was scuppered by fog outside the M25 and me having no lights and dark clothing on.
Instead I decided to have a crack at 10 ascents of Box Hill, a ride I've not done since last spring.
Gave the first ascent the full beans and felt really good. A bit disappointed not to beat my PB - I was 6 seconds too slow. After that I tried to stay out of the red for the next 8 climbs, but still maintain a decent pace (my slowest ascent was 9:41 compared to the initial romp of 7:27). For the final climb, I gave it everything I had left, and was happy with a time of 7:44.
It's not a difficult climb, but with it's consistent gradient and smooth surface, Box Hill really does goad you into keeping the tempo high and to push hard whenever you can. That, plus the view and the number of cyclists testing themselves on it makes cycling up the zig-zag road a pleasurable experience (even 10 times over)
Absolutely bombed home with a hint of tailwind for a decent overall time.
Off on holiday for 2 weeks next weekend, so apart from 1-2 turbo sessions this week, that's my training done for April. Not ideal, but I get the feeling a break from flogging myself on the bike might actually do me some good.
Straight back into it in May though, with the Etape Caledonia, then a crack at joining the Cingles of Ventoux club in Provence at the end of the month. That might involve a bit more climbing than today's effort!
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