Monday 29 June 2009
More press coverage
Have done my piece for the Ely Standard and Hunts Post and it should be in this week...
Sunday 28 June 2009
2 quick trips
OK so it's now Sunday but yesterday I, completely by accident, stumbled upon a new route - around 7 miles, and I did it twice. I am going to call it my 'sprint loop'. Once with B on the back (37 mins), once on my own (30 mins, 45 secs), averaging over 14 mph. Have managed to get my Satnav working properly thanks to this site so I am getting routemaps and training info. My goal is certainly to be doing the sprint loop in under half an hour. I am on the lookout for longer runs (20-25 miles) in and around the area and have got a way of doing a map on Googlemaps and then converting it to the satnav - it's not perfect but it sort of works...
Have had the agenda for the trip we're doing and one of the most startling thing is that we're doing 95 miles in 9 hours (including breaks) - if we think you;re going to have around an hour and a half's break in total that is 95 miles in 7.5 hours (no shit!) which is an average of 12.67 mph which for me is quite a pace...
Have had the agenda for the trip we're doing and one of the most startling thing is that we're doing 95 miles in 9 hours (including breaks) - if we think you;re going to have around an hour and a half's break in total that is 95 miles in 7.5 hours (no shit!) which is an average of 12.67 mph which for me is quite a pace...
Thursday 25 June 2009
@Glinner to RT me!
Graham Linehan, the writer of Father Ted and the IT Crowd is going to send out a Tweet to all his followers (22,870 of them) mentioning my cycle ride! How exciting.
Tuesday 23 June 2009
Training - or, lack thereof...
OK, so the brighter ones of you might remember this is the week I should have started my training proper, but work has gone more than a little crazy and I am away Weds/Thurs/Fri (work and pleasure!) so I haven't even bought all the kit yet. I am hoping to do this Saturday with a view to going out on the bike Sunday - fingers crossed...just too damn busy at the mo...
Saturday 20 June 2009
10 Miles before Breakfast
OK, so it was a late breakfast (10am) but I decided to take B out on the back of the bike and do a 10.24 mile ride effectively 2 stone heavier (B on the seat). I did it in 46mins 44 secs, burning 605 calories at an average speed of 13.14mph. It felt pretty good - can I do 30 of these in 4 days? That is the question, but I feel at the moment I should be able to. I think, over time I can get my average speed up to around 14/15mph and my cadence up to a consistent 60 (it was 59 on this run).
Piccies of us going out...
The 10 mile loop (as it is now known)
Piccies of us going out...
The 10 mile loop (as it is now known)
Rosey's Wedding today....
....so I thought I would head out on a 10 mile loop with B on the back first. Might take some piccies and do a map of the route - this may become by staple training ride...
In other news, up to £1,640 raised now - still should get to £2,000 or more easily enough. Also had interview with Ely Standard and Hunts Post for more publicity - and I still have no idea who 'Fruitie' is!
In other news, up to £1,640 raised now - still should get to £2,000 or more easily enough. Also had interview with Ely Standard and Hunts Post for more publicity - and I still have no idea who 'Fruitie' is!
Wednesday 17 June 2009
Bike goes through a few changes
See the bike in all it's glory (and mascot - 6 month old Dexter)!
Am getting conflicting advice at the moment as to whether I can do this thing on a mountain bike masquerading as a racing bike. Some people say yes, others say I need a racer. Well I have decided to try to convert my bike to be more 'road'worthy so have changed the tyres (below) and added 'bull-horns' (above)
A big thanks to Darren at County Cycles in St Neots - top bloke, did it speedily, efficiently and fairly priced - thanks:
32 St. Marys St, Eynesbury, St. Neots, PE19 2TA
Tel:01480 476529
Am getting conflicting advice at the moment as to whether I can do this thing on a mountain bike masquerading as a racing bike. Some people say yes, others say I need a racer. Well I have decided to try to convert my bike to be more 'road'worthy so have changed the tyres (below) and added 'bull-horns' (above)
A big thanks to Darren at County Cycles in St Neots - top bloke, did it speedily, efficiently and fairly priced - thanks:
32 St. Marys St, Eynesbury, St. Neots, PE19 2TA
Tel:01480 476529
Tuesday 16 June 2009
EIBA Sponsor Me
Had news whilst I was away that the EIBA want to sponsor me in memory of my Dad, fantastic news and it is really appreciated. When he died in 1994 he was President of the EIBA and their HQ is named after him:
***************************************************************************************
From: Peter Thompson
Sent: 12 June 2009 09:20
To: Daniel Cornwell
Subject: EIBA Ltd
Morning Daniel,
I have pleasure in confirming that the EIBA Ltd would be delighted to donate £100 to your charity bike ride in September.
Would you be able to supply information on where we could send you a company cheque and who it is to be made payable to.
I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
Best regards
Peter
Peter Thompson
Chief Operating Executive
English Indoor Bowling Association Ltd
***************************************************************************************
From: Peter Thompson
Sent: 12 June 2009 09:20
To: Daniel Cornwell
Subject: EIBA Ltd
Morning Daniel,
I have pleasure in confirming that the EIBA Ltd would be delighted to donate £100 to your charity bike ride in September.
Would you be able to supply information on where we could send you a company cheque and who it is to be made payable to.
I look forward to hearing from you in due course.
Best regards
Peter
Peter Thompson
Chief Operating Executive
English Indoor Bowling Association Ltd
Monday 15 June 2009
Itinery
This is the itinery:
INTRODUCTION
Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing through picturesque Kent countryside, we cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France, passing the famous battlefields of the Somme and Agincourt. With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement.
Our last day in Paris allows us to explore the streets of Paris and soak up the romantic atmosphere of this majestic town!
____________________________
ITINERARY
Day 1: London – Calais
An early start from Greenwich allows us to avoid the morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It is not long before we are among the fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. We continue our journey along the North Downs Way and along small country roads to Dover and the coast. Taking the ferry to Calais we have dinner on board and stay overnight in our Calais hotel. (Lunch included, riders buy their own dinner on the ferry).
Cycle approx. 153km (95 miles)
Day 2: Calais – Abbeville
After a hearty breakfast we head south from Calais, passing through beautiful rural landscapes and quiet back roads. Cycling inland from the coast, we avoid busy Boulogne and pass east through ancient Desvres, renowned for its pottery. Following quiet winding roads we reach the valleys of the Canche River, and cross the river to Hesdin, a pretty town near the site of the historic battle of Agincourt. Continuing south, our final 30km brings us to the River Somme and the town of Abbeville. Abbeville suffered badly in a German air raid in World War 2, but its beautiful Flemish-style architecture is still in evidence and its Gothic church has been largely restored to its former glory. Overnight in hotel. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Cycle approx 120km (75 miles.)
Day 3: Abbeville – Beauvais
Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the River Somme east out of the town in the direction of Amiens. These lands are renowned for the terrible battles of the First World War and are scattered with cemeteries and other poignant reminders of the thousands of man who died here. Our route soon turns south and we follow shady beech-tree-lined avenues so typically French, into meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling is mostly flat and through agricultural lands. Our day ends at Beauvais, a town renowned for its large gothic cathedral. Overnight in hotel. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Cycle approx 110km (70 miles.)
Day 4: Beauvais – Paris
Our final day’s cycling takes us over the river Théram and south of Beauvais towards the great capital city. Following small country roads we head towards the small town of Meru and continue south through beautiful countryside. Cycling is the national sport of France and while the Tour de France attracts supporters in its thousands, it is normal for the locals to stop and cheer us on as we pass through their towns and villages. As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out on the skyline. Reaching the suburb on St. Denis we reach the River Seine, and follow its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois du Boulogne until we reach the Pont d’Iena and finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. Overnight in hotel. Celebration meal. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Cycle approx 95km (60 miles.)
Day 5: Paris - London
After breakfast you are free for the rest of the day to explore the city, going up the Eiffel Tower or visiting renowned attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame cathedral. You are responsible for getting yourself to the Gare du Nord on time for our evening Eurostar train back to St Pancras. (Breakfast included; riders buy their own lunch & dinner).
____________________________
INTRODUCTION
Cycling from London to Paris is one of the great cycle experiences in Europe. Passing through picturesque Kent countryside, we cross the Channel and continue through the small villages and medieval market towns of Northern France, passing the famous battlefields of the Somme and Agincourt. With long days in the saddle and some strenuous hill-climbs, the sight of the Eiffel Tower, our finishing point, will evoke a real sense of achievement.
Our last day in Paris allows us to explore the streets of Paris and soak up the romantic atmosphere of this majestic town!
____________________________
ITINERARY
Day 1: London – Calais
An early start from Greenwich allows us to avoid the morning traffic as we pass through the outskirts of London onto quieter roads. It is not long before we are among the fields and villages of rural Kent, passing orchards and traditional oast houses where hops are stored. We continue our journey along the North Downs Way and along small country roads to Dover and the coast. Taking the ferry to Calais we have dinner on board and stay overnight in our Calais hotel. (Lunch included, riders buy their own dinner on the ferry).
Cycle approx. 153km (95 miles)
Day 2: Calais – Abbeville
After a hearty breakfast we head south from Calais, passing through beautiful rural landscapes and quiet back roads. Cycling inland from the coast, we avoid busy Boulogne and pass east through ancient Desvres, renowned for its pottery. Following quiet winding roads we reach the valleys of the Canche River, and cross the river to Hesdin, a pretty town near the site of the historic battle of Agincourt. Continuing south, our final 30km brings us to the River Somme and the town of Abbeville. Abbeville suffered badly in a German air raid in World War 2, but its beautiful Flemish-style architecture is still in evidence and its Gothic church has been largely restored to its former glory. Overnight in hotel. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Cycle approx 120km (75 miles.)
Day 3: Abbeville – Beauvais
Leaving Abbeville behind us we follow the River Somme east out of the town in the direction of Amiens. These lands are renowned for the terrible battles of the First World War and are scattered with cemeteries and other poignant reminders of the thousands of man who died here. Our route soon turns south and we follow shady beech-tree-lined avenues so typically French, into meandering valleys and traditional farming hamlets. The cycling is mostly flat and through agricultural lands. Our day ends at Beauvais, a town renowned for its large gothic cathedral. Overnight in hotel. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Cycle approx 110km (70 miles.)
Day 4: Beauvais – Paris
Our final day’s cycling takes us over the river Théram and south of Beauvais towards the great capital city. Following small country roads we head towards the small town of Meru and continue south through beautiful countryside. Cycling is the national sport of France and while the Tour de France attracts supporters in its thousands, it is normal for the locals to stop and cheer us on as we pass through their towns and villages. As we reach the suburbs of Paris we look out for the distinctive landmarks of the Eiffel Tower and the Sacré Coeur standing out on the skyline. Reaching the suburb on St. Denis we reach the River Seine, and follow its northern esplanade in the shadow of the Bois du Boulogne until we reach the Pont d’Iena and finish beneath the lofty arches of the Eiffel Tower. Overnight in hotel. Celebration meal. (Breakfast, lunch & dinner included).
Cycle approx 95km (60 miles.)
Day 5: Paris - London
After breakfast you are free for the rest of the day to explore the city, going up the Eiffel Tower or visiting renowned attractions such as the Arc de Triomphe and Notre-Dame cathedral. You are responsible for getting yourself to the Gare du Nord on time for our evening Eurostar train back to St Pancras. (Breakfast included; riders buy their own lunch & dinner).
____________________________
So - what to do?
In precisely 12 weeks and 2 days I will be attempting to cycle from London to Paris in 4 (yes that's 4) days. Given that the largest ride I have ever done in one go is about 12 miles you could say I might have bitten off more than I can chew. Then factor in that I am a fat bugger, always have been, and I have never been particularly fit. I am also 34, and have a full time job, and a two year old!
Weight-wise a few months back myself and my wife, Jen, went on a bit of a diet and I am down from 15st 10lbs to (after a week's holiday, and chips on 4/5 occasions!!!) 13st 12lbs. Ideally - for the bike ride - I want to be down to around 12st. I haven't been that light since I was born.
So - What to do?
Still got to get the bike serviced and have road tyres etc put on (this week)
Buy some cycling gear (drinking bottles, lycra galore! (this week)
Work out some 10-15 mile routes (this week)
Start training (next week)
Lose weight (ongoing - 2 pounds a week it looks like (ish))
Raise more money (ongoing) - Donate HERE
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