Record Ride (this year anyway!)

Sunday 29th July

Despite setting the alarm wrong and getting up an hour after we meant to, we set off only half an hour later than we'd planned. We set off at a cracking pace, heading out through Clyst St Mary and Woodbury, through Lympstone and along the cycle path to Exmouth. A ginger and white cat very confidently sat in the middle of the path, moved a bit to let the bikes through and then tried to follow me for a bit! We headed along the seafront in Exmouth turning left by the lifeboat station and climbing up to Budleigh Salterton. We joined the cycle track, where a dog then decided to chase after me barking for a while, but luckily got bored and ran back the other way. Although running a bit late for a coffee stop, we decided to push on to Otterton as planned as the cake is so good! It was well worth it as we tucked into delicious victoria sponge cake and coffee cake.

Olympic spirit seems to be running high in Devon. Cyclists seemed even more friendly than usual and people were keent to chat about the Olympics. At Otterton a chap asked us how far we'd cycled and where we were headed, when the little boy sat with him piped up and said 'we're missing Rebecca Adlington in the swimming'. Bless! He didn't seem to mind so much when a plateful of chocolate brownies showed up!

Lovely cake as always at Otterton Mill

Rather liked these granite owls - but wasn't going to carry one home in my pannier!

From Otterton Mill we headed up towards Tipton St John. We spied two more ginger and white cats sat out enjoying the sunshine. The lanes here were very narrow and there was a lot of traffic about, so we had to keep pulling in until we turned off. Our pace slowed a little after coffee - possibly due to the large amount of cake we had consumed - and the uphill and undulating route through the lanes. We didn't mind though as it's a beautiful spot and all the hay had been gathered into bales, creating a delightfully picturesque rural scene to cycle through.

Once we'd crossed the main road we seemed to be in Tipton St John in no time. We were only 5 miles from Otterton, so decided to carry on to Ottery St Mary before stopping for lunch. In Ottery, we took over a bendy bench in park. We both struggled to eat our sarnies as we were still so full of cake! Just before we left, three older people showed up and started playing in what we thought was a children's park, but then realised was outdoor gym equipment. Had we realised sooner, we would have gone to play ourselves, but we had plenty of exercise still ahead of us. We stopped briefly at Sainsbury's to make use of the facilities and stock up on water. When I came out to meet Ant he was discussing the Olympics with a little boy who had parked his bike next to ours. They were betting on Adele or Coldplay to headline the closing ceremony!

The Bendy Bench

We headed up out of Ottery to Feniton, where I saw a gorgeous 'Dulux dog' and more signs of Olympic spirit with multi-country bunting hung outside some houses in most of the villages we passed through. From Feniton we headed to Talaton where I'd been dreading the hill, but climbed it without too much trouble - although I did have to use my lowest set of gears for the first time in the ride. We usually head from Whimple out to Broadclyst before going back into Exeter, but decided we'd head straight through Whimple and join the old A30. This turned out to be a big mistake! Instead of the easier ride home we'd anticipated, there was a tremendous and relentless head wind. We battled against the strength of the wind and negotiated narrow sections of roadworks and were very relieved to turn off into Clyst Honiton.

From there is was short hop back to Clyst St Mary. Pulling over to let a car pass, we saw to little deer running through a field. So sweet! Just as we got back to Countess Wear we hit the 50 mile mark we'd been aiming for. No time to stop and celebrate though as Ant had to be back for a date with a batman film. So - again battling the head wind again (which possibly explains why we'd flown so quickly this morning!) we pushed along the river and back to the Quayside. A total of 52.6 miles today!

Completely delighted with our ride today. Yes we struggled at points and yes we're both shattered and still a long way off 90 miles - but we've achieved a lot in a short time and we have to stay positive if we're to have any chance of completing the ride in September. In the meantime, I was delighted to get home and see we've won a Silver Medal in the ladies road cycling...go Team GB!

Long route to Lympstone

Thursday 26th July

Time to up the training - our second evening ride of the week and upping the distance too. We took the long route out to Lympstone, via Clyst St Mary and Woodbury. I was delighted with our pace, as we'd covered 10 miles in an hour, despite the start stop route out to Clyst. St Mary.

We stopped briefly in Lympstone to pick up some supplies and then headed back the quick route along the cycle path as we needed to be home by 9pm. Total miles 20.99 - I think we can call that 21!

Generally a good ride and good to feel like we're finally increasing our training. This has got to help our fitness levels if we can keep it up. Only four weeks to go now though, so not sure we'll be as fit as we'd like, but we're going to give it a jolly good go.

Pedalling to Powderham

Tuesday 24th July

Our plan had been to start mid-week rides from last week, but as Ant had been poorly we had to postpone it until this week. Thankfully the weather has been glorious, so I was looking forward to getting out on the bike after work.

After the steep climb out of Exminster I was huffing and puffing and feeling really fed up. I asked Ant why we were putting ourselves through this. He said 'it makes for good dinner party conversation' to which I ungraciously replied 'how many *bleep**ing* dinner parties do we go to?!'
Following that we both had to stop a couple of times due to flies in our eyes and I cursed the fact that we hadn't got round to buying new glasses after we'd both managed to break our old ones.

Fortunately once we got on to the lanes behind Powderham my mood lifted and it was glorious to be pedalling along in the sunshine. The road was busier than we anticipated though - we had to pull in to let two tractors go past and later after hearing frantic shouts from behind we pulled across as a huge group of very speedy cyclists whizzed past us, later followed by another two groups of cyclists. The third group were most friendly and shouted out 'evening' to us as they hurtled past. Great to see so many cyclists out - although a little scary to see their pace. I hope the other cyclists doing our ride aren't going to be that fast!

We didn't really want to turn back home as it was such a lovely evening, but at Starcross we did an about turn as we hadn't planned to be out all night and we needed to get home for tea. Back at home, with 16.7 miles on the clock, Ant smashed a plant pot attempting to maneouvre our bikes around in our tiny garden. We've had  few incidents getting our bikes in and out and I'm determined that next time we move we're going to have a garage!

The plant pot is the latest victim of our cycling adventures!

Ignoring the calamity - I have jelly babies!

Conquering Cadbury

Sunday 22nd July

Last Sunday we headed out with the group again for what we thought would be a fairly easy ride. A few minutes before the start it seemed like we'd have a small group, but then cyclists began to appear from all directions and 12 of us had gathered on the Quay, where Mike was presented with a spade. 

We took a long route out of town, so 5 miles in and we weren't more than a mile from the start. The adventurous section began as we climbed a muddy debris filled lane out of Pinhoe. After sliding a couple of times I hopped off my bike as I didn't want to risk a fall. After walking a short section, I climbed back on to find Don stopped up ahead. A twig (later described as a small tree!) had got caught in his wheel dislodging his mudguard. Carrying on to alert the others, we came to a road closed sign. As there was no sign of the others, we assumed they'd got through ok, so negotiated the signs and carried on.

We found the others waiting at the junction and as Wolf went back to help Don, Mike wasn't deterred by the lack of seaside on the route. He soon created a 'seaside' effect by getting out his spade and throwing water all over Penny.

After being reassured that Don would be on his way again soon, we all carried on towards Killerton. On route, we stopped to see if there was any sign of Don and looking back saw two familiar figures on bikes - Roy and Pauline, who had apparently just missed us on the Quay and had been rushing to try and catch up! When we got to Killerton, the reason for Don and Wolf being delayed again became clear as Wolf had taken a tumble and had grazed knees and muddy shorts to prove it. He showed a true leader's spirit and after a quick stop for tea and cake, bravely led us on to Cadbury.

We'd never been to Cadbury before and I was rather nervous as I'd heard several mentions of 'the hill'. Heading out of Thorverton, Roy had a puncture but said he would catch up with us on the hill...which I had no doubt he would. A small hill first then the big climb began. We lost sight of all the others as the climb began and I was soon in my lowest gears, determined to take it slowly and steadily. I kept pushing on, hoping the top was near, but the hill seemed never ending! Ant was up ahead and I called up desperately hoping the top was round the next corner, but the response 'no' was not well received! It was a good job no-one else was around to hear the words uttered under my breath as climbed the final section! On reaching the top, I didn't have time to be pleased about making it up without getting off. I felt completely worn out and I couldn't even seem to get any speed up going down hill! Thankfully it wasn't too much further to our lunch stop - a beautiful balcony overlooking the hills at Geoff and Penny's.

I could happily have sat there all afternoon, but after enjoying a cup of tea we needed to head back. Luckily I'd expected some steep downhill sections after our ascent, so I was prepared and in my drops before a long steep descent. Had I not been, I am sure I would have been off the bike and walking! Unfortunately there were more uphill sections too and after the morning's exertions, I was tired and tackling the hills very slowly. A bit of a reality check given that the Olympic route we are training for has very few flat sections. We had only completed 31 miles and although that included a big hill and some challenging riding, I know that's nothing compared to what we'll face in September. We really need to up our fitness and pace if we're going to complete a 90 mile technically challenging ride!

A mid week ride...

A short ride out to Topsham this evening, going via Old Rydon Lane to add in a little bit of a hill. As we're not going to fit a ride in this weekend, it almost seemed a bit pointless to go out, but it's good to start getting in the habit of doing a ride after work. I also wanted to try out some of my new bargainous half price cycling gear. It was evident within moments that my new cycle trousers don't provide as much padding as my favourite old lycra leggings! They won't be my gear of choice for the big day!

On the back lanes up to Topsham I glanced a cyclist coming the other way and thought something didn't seem quite right. It wasn't until afterwards that Ant explained he was riding a tandem on his own! Shame I didn't get chance to snap a picture - you'll have to make do with the pic of the Bowling Green instead!

In Topsham we stopped briefly to stock up on a few provisions. Best to make the most of training rides and do practical chores at the same time! We headed back the easy route along the river. A nice ride and we could have cycled further, but dinner was calling us homeward. Another 11 miles on the clock...but still a long way to go!

The Morning After...

Saturday brought downpours of rain to Devon and the very sad news that the Jurassic Classic ride had been cancelled due to severe flooding along the route. We were dubious about setting off on a long ride when we didn't know what the road conditions were like, but the silver lining for us came when we discovered that the CTC volunteers for Sunday's big ride now found themselves at a loss, so Roy bravely took on the challenge of finding a flood free route for a group of daring explorers on two wheels!

We met up with 8 others on Cathedral Green, where Mike was already putting his bike maintenance skills to the test helping out a passer by. He managed a temporary fix, greatly brightening up someone's day. We set up off the High Street and I couldn't help but smile to be back out riding again.

From town we headed out through Whipton, on to Clyst Honiton and up to Aylesbeare. Roy took us up a hilly route (apparently to avoid possible floods) and on to Escot where we had our first stop of the day. A lovely slice of carrot cake for me and a giant slab of chocolate cake for Ant! Arriving relatively late due to the somewhat unplanned nature of the day, we found a group of fellow cyclists already enjoying coffee and persuaded a few of them to join us on our onward journey.

As it was such a lovely day, we headed for the coast, with Budleigh Salterton apparently only 10 miles away. Despite Roy's best efforts to avoid floods, it soon became clear that this would be no ordinary ride. On our way to Otterton, we came across our first challenging terrain. Despite having been reassured by a couple of mountain bikers coming the other way that the route was fine, we came across a deep slippery section of mud which our road bikes couldn't handle. We dragged the bikes up over the grassy bank and as I stepped down from the bank to cross the final section of mud, my trainers completely sank into the mud...nice! We stopped to speak to a local resident whose house had narrowly missed being flooded. The defences are clearly in need of some attention, but little is ever done about it.

Too muddy to ride...

Alongside our usual warnings of 'Car' and 'Potholes', warning shouts during the day extended to 'fallen tree', 'flood', 'large boulders' (which later developed into 'quarry'!) and 'fence down'. Riding over the bridge in Otterton, there were yet more signs of flooding, with fields flattened. I was delighted to see that we weren't heading up the hill ahead of us, until a little way down our turning we came to a long deep section of flood water across the road. Two of our party bravely crossed the flood and I was relieved to hear others voicing concerns about going through. I was glad to turn back, but now had to face the hill climb. Oh joy! I was starting to tire now and very slowly pedalled on up the hill, hoping it wouldn't be long before lunch.

Just as I thought we'd made it, we came across another flood - this time with a Road Closed sign in front and a couple of blokes wading through in their wellies.

Road Closed...time for another detour

Another short detour and a bit of a climb later and suddenly the seafront came into view. My cycle computer suggested we'd covered 13 miles since coffee - worth it for the adventure! Sitting in the glorious sunshine we discussed sword fighting, train spotting and the dangers of wearing your long johns in Woodbury!

Enjoying the sunshine in Budleigh

Before the conversation could take any more interesting turns, we set off for home. I really struggled with the climb up out of Budleigh, but up on the trail towards Exmouth the riding was easier and the shade provided a welcome rest from the heat of the sun. I was delighted when only 5 miles later a tea stop was suggested! We enjoyed a leisurely tea break - with varying quantities and qualities of tea, depending on who ordered first! Most of us opted for a civilised cookie, whilst Ant went for a bag of kiddies sweets. Either way, we were all well fuelled for the final trip home.

We took the coastal path back from Exmouth, a bit of an easy option, but the wind was getting up and it looked like rain was on the way, so we felt we'd got the best out of the day. We also made it home in time to see the end of the Wimbledon final...although I won't dwell on the outcome of that...

Another 45 mile ride under our belts and a really enjoyable day out with the gang in the sunshine. Up until lunchtime, I'd felt pretty strong and was managing to dig in to tackle the hills, rather than resorting to low gears straight away. Good as far as it goes, but after lunch I was tired and ready for a nap. I really need to work on my fitness and stamina! Mid week rides are a must from now on...although it's really raining out there again now, so perhaps that can wait another couple of weeks?!

Exeter Deaf Academy goes cycling...!

Not really a training ride this time, but on Saturday I joined a team of staff and students from Exeter Deaf Academy on a sponsored cycle from Exeter to Exmouth and back. As we gathered in the car park, the signs weren't good - a forecast for heavy rain showers and blustery winds, much tinkering with bikes that clearly hadn't been prepared for the day's event and a member of staff who still hadn't showed up half an hour after kick off time...

However, once we set off, everything went to plan. The sun came out and stayed out and we arrived in Exmouth in good time for a picnic lunch looking out over the Estuary. After eating our sandwiches we devoured a tray of chocolate donuts and two packs of chocolate bars! Then time for a quick photo shoot before heading back.

Everyone showed great stamina and pushed through aches and pains and we were back at the Academy again in no time...and before the downpour we'd been anticipating all day. Good work everyone!

In other news, I've just scared myself silly reading about the Olympic Cycle route in the latest CTC magazine! It sounds horrendous! Starting with traffic in London, out through 'rolling hills', more tricky junctions, a very steep hill...and then on to Box Hill, which climbs for 2 miles and just when you thought you could enjoy the downhill run afterwards, the road is so steep (20% at the top and the bottom) that even the professionals crashed when they tested out the route. 'Technically challenging' is not something I had in mind...as if 90 miles in one day isn't enough...arrrggh! Can't wait....until it's over that is!

PS - sorry to any team mates who are reading this who are now also equally scared!