Day 2 - 99.1 miles , 4,792 ft elevation
Lots of climbing but we get a cuppa at Jason's parents which will be nice.
Monday, 11 July 2016
Day 1 - Done - Cycle routes and wind
Well the first day is done 97 miles in the bag 400 to go. The day started early at 6.00 as we met at the Abicare office for the start. Even at that time we had people to wave us of which was a great way to start. All smiles as we left but would they last?
We have done the first 35 miles in our training rides so new the terrain well and kept up a good pace. We had planned to be at the Bradford on Avon office at 9.45 but we arrived early at 9.10 so decided to go for Bacon rolls and Coffee so off to Bath's Bakery. When we go to the office we were met by a number of smiley people and it really helped.
Then it was off into uncharted territory. We joined the canal path heading for Bath. At the start the path was very bumpy, muddy and with lots of stones. For Jason's bike it was no problem but for the two road bikes we were asking for a puncture. Fate smiled on us and we got through the first part without incident and then the cycle path improved and just after Bath we joined the old railway line for Bristol. The path was fantastic and so using cycle path's we travelled 14 miles on flat and car less roads. If you are in the area and fancy a cycle I highly recommend it.
A few miles later as 66 for the day we stopped for lunch at the Swan in Tockington. Due to the good pace we had made we got there ahead of schedule allowing us to have a leisurely lunch.
We were only a few miles from the old Severn Bridge and we were soon their. The wind had been our constant companion throughout the day but trees and hedgerow had minimised its effect. The bridge was a different kettle of fish. A south westerly hit us side on with full force and it was a struggle to keep a straight line.
Then we were in Wales and almost immediately we began to climb. Nothing to steep but long and constant until we reached the top and stopped for a break with some Alpacas.
Then we had a long descent into Usk. Our support vehicle clocked us at 40 miles per hour. The support vehicle is being driven by Sandra and Martin and they have been fantastic. Arranging office visits, tweeting (#abicare500) and carrying all manner of stuff including a stash of Toffees and Jelly Babies.
The wind then had one last trick to play by blowing directly into our faces making life particularly hard between Usk and Little Mill. Then we were on the last leg and arrived at the Pontypool office to another enthusiastic reception, Thank you.
Day 1 done. Tomorrow we are off to Swindon via Hereford.
We have done the first 35 miles in our training rides so new the terrain well and kept up a good pace. We had planned to be at the Bradford on Avon office at 9.45 but we arrived early at 9.10 so decided to go for Bacon rolls and Coffee so off to Bath's Bakery. When we go to the office we were met by a number of smiley people and it really helped.
Then it was off into uncharted territory. We joined the canal path heading for Bath. At the start the path was very bumpy, muddy and with lots of stones. For Jason's bike it was no problem but for the two road bikes we were asking for a puncture. Fate smiled on us and we got through the first part without incident and then the cycle path improved and just after Bath we joined the old railway line for Bristol. The path was fantastic and so using cycle path's we travelled 14 miles on flat and car less roads. If you are in the area and fancy a cycle I highly recommend it.
A few miles later as 66 for the day we stopped for lunch at the Swan in Tockington. Due to the good pace we had made we got there ahead of schedule allowing us to have a leisurely lunch.
We were only a few miles from the old Severn Bridge and we were soon their. The wind had been our constant companion throughout the day but trees and hedgerow had minimised its effect. The bridge was a different kettle of fish. A south westerly hit us side on with full force and it was a struggle to keep a straight line.
Then we were in Wales and almost immediately we began to climb. Nothing to steep but long and constant until we reached the top and stopped for a break with some Alpacas.
Then we had a long descent into Usk. Our support vehicle clocked us at 40 miles per hour. The support vehicle is being driven by Sandra and Martin and they have been fantastic. Arranging office visits, tweeting (#abicare500) and carrying all manner of stuff including a stash of Toffees and Jelly Babies.
The wind then had one last trick to play by blowing directly into our faces making life particularly hard between Usk and Little Mill. Then we were on the last leg and arrived at the Pontypool office to another enthusiastic reception, Thank you.
Day 1 done. Tomorrow we are off to Swindon via Hereford.
Sunday, 10 July 2016
Day 1 - Salisbury to Pontypool
First day of the Abicare 500 ride for Dementia UK takes us from the Salisbury office to the Pontypool office taking in Bradford on Avon on the way.
The plan is to take a 5 minute break every hour and a 10-15 minute one every two hours or so. Ideally we would plan to get about 65-70 miles before a lunch break of about 1.5 hours.
It's not a race so we haven't planned for high speeds and they will obviously vary if we are going up a hill or on the flat.
That's the plan before we start time will tell whether that is how it unfolds. Its the wind that is the real unknown and could affect us a lot.
Our time table for the day is therefore as follows:
So we hope to be at the Bradford on Avon office just before 9am for a bacon bap at Bath Bakery and we will cross into Wales just after 3pm. Wales brings the biggest climb of the day rising to 700ft with 15 miles to go. Arriving in Pontypool just after 6pm.
Weather Forecast
Cloudy but likely to be mostly dry. Possible showers. Temp between 12-20C. Wind - Gusty
Full details of the ride can be found at:
https://www.strava.com/routes/4238149
The Abicare ride is for Dementia UK and donations can be made on:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Abicare500
The plan is to take a 5 minute break every hour and a 10-15 minute one every two hours or so. Ideally we would plan to get about 65-70 miles before a lunch break of about 1.5 hours.
It's not a race so we haven't planned for high speeds and they will obviously vary if we are going up a hill or on the flat.
That's the plan before we start time will tell whether that is how it unfolds. Its the wind that is the real unknown and could affect us a lot.
Our time table for the day is therefore as follows:
So we hope to be at the Bradford on Avon office just before 9am for a bacon bap at Bath Bakery and we will cross into Wales just after 3pm. Wales brings the biggest climb of the day rising to 700ft with 15 miles to go. Arriving in Pontypool just after 6pm.
Weather Forecast
Cloudy but likely to be mostly dry. Possible showers. Temp between 12-20C. Wind - Gusty
Full details of the ride can be found at:
https://www.strava.com/routes/4238149
The Abicare ride is for Dementia UK and donations can be made on:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Abicare500
Saturday, 9 July 2016
Waiting for the Grand Depart
My bike is back from Stonehenge Cycles and it's all shiny and serviced. I went out for a 10 mile ride to check it out and it's clearly all ready to go.
The real question is am I?
Training's done and we set off on Monday at 6.30. The training has been "fun" . Saturdays and Sundays this year have mostly been 6.30am meets for increasingly long rides. I have ridden on my own at times but mostly with others Anne-Marie and Jason of course but also Simon, Forest, Caroline and the Mighty Men. It has made such a difference to my ability to get up each morning so thank you it's been a huge help.
My house is littered with Lycra, bikes and bike parts and I have been out for hours each week. The family have been supportive and can't wait to see me at the finish line.
This weekend is just about taking it easy and loading up a few carbs, fish and potato salad tonight.
Then we are off on Monday at 6.30pm. Cycling up to Bradford Upon Avon, over to the Severn, cross the bridge into Wales and then on to Pontypool.
We are planning to keep you posted on our progress here but also on Twitter. Look for us under #abicare500
The real question is am I?
Training's done and we set off on Monday at 6.30. The training has been "fun" . Saturdays and Sundays this year have mostly been 6.30am meets for increasingly long rides. I have ridden on my own at times but mostly with others Anne-Marie and Jason of course but also Simon, Forest, Caroline and the Mighty Men. It has made such a difference to my ability to get up each morning so thank you it's been a huge help.
My house is littered with Lycra, bikes and bike parts and I have been out for hours each week. The family have been supportive and can't wait to see me at the finish line.
This weekend is just about taking it easy and loading up a few carbs, fish and potato salad tonight.
Then we are off on Monday at 6.30pm. Cycling up to Bradford Upon Avon, over to the Severn, cross the bridge into Wales and then on to Pontypool.
We are planning to keep you posted on our progress here but also on Twitter. Look for us under #abicare500
Wednesday, 29 June 2016
Tuesday, 28 June 2016
Training time is almost over. Tapering is the phrase for next week ie short (10 mile rides) only. Then we are off. The local paper is covering us. Its really happening !!!
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/14582171.Abicare_staff_saddle_up_for_five_day_cycle_challenge/?ref=mr&lp=8
http://www.salisburyjournal.co.uk/news/14582171.Abicare_staff_saddle_up_for_five_day_cycle_challenge/?ref=mr&lp=8
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