Cornish Hills......

.....so we have arrived in Cornwall, at my parents, just outside of Helston. I went out today and cycled (downhill) to one of my favourite places in the world - Porthleven. The biggest problem with Portleven is that the hill on the way back up is a 300ft+ climb in around 1.5 miles - this might not sound alot but have a look at the profile here - you can see my heart rate reached around 180...!



Some piccies from portleven harbour...

Struggling afterwards?

I thought I would try to cycle to Cambridge - 23 miles and then do a bit of shopping. I did the cycling bit in about an hour and a half, although on the graph/map attached you will see that I forgot to put my timer on for a 2 mile or so section!! It looks like I caught a ride with something/one and just missed a few miles... I really got in the groove and although it was really hot found it easy enough...however...this morning I have woken up with big cramps so I clarly have not had enough salts...forgot to take my rego drink which I will clearly need to take to Lon/Par with me. Not long now - 2 weeks and 2 days and I am feeling a little nervous. Pretty sure I can do day one but not too sure if I will be able to get going on days 2/3/4!!

I also cycled with my iPod for the first time and it was a revelation, definitely need to use that on the trip!

Time not on the bike and drinking beer means....

....a bloody hard run out. So 10 days where I couldn't get by ever expanding arse back onto my bike and I really struggled tonight and only did 8 miles. In the weight news I am up to 13 st 5 lbs (ouch - a gain of 2 lbs!) as last week I had two massive nights out and I have been sort of addicted to cashew nuts. Well the diet started again today and I have avoided all snacks and had pasta for dinner, meaning my run tomorrow should go well as I have stored up on a load of carbs. The plan is to be 15-20 miles tomorrow (possibly in 2 stints) and see if I can maintain a decent pace. Only 3 1/2 weeks to go now and am starting to feel a little apprehensive. Got to chase some sponsorship later in the week...

The difference between the two weeks....

Last week - I did 64 miles, this week 0, nightmare really but will need to do a decent ride on Sunday - also then got to arrnage to ride to Ely so I can meet up with the good folks of the Ely Bowls Club who are sponsoring me - less than 4 weeks to go now, starting to get exceptionally nervous!

Updates

Was going to go out but it is seriously pissing it down and nearly dark - I don't have my reflective jacket yet...

The guys doing our windows - Admiral have sponsored me 50 quid which is a nice touch - they are good guys - see their website here

Also - all my lovely energy bars and gels arrived - again, how exciting. These things are bloody great - one every 10 miles or so is my rule and that seems to work quite well...see piccy!

Rather Excited

I have to say I am rather excited. Dave Gorman (he of all the TV shows/panel shows and beard) has sponsored me 20 quid! I wrote to him telling him how his not giving me the details of his publisher meant I went on to start up R3 and he sponsored me - what a jolly nice chap. I suggest we all go and see him on his tour (link)

My knees hurt...

...thought I would head out and do a proper ride so I got on my bike and did 33 miles (and then to and from the station, another 6 miles that evening). It was quite hard work - the first 10 miles or so all seemed to be uphill but then, the next ten were much better, mostly downhill/flat. A couple of small climbs and dips and then home. The route took me towards Abbotsley, through Eynesbury Hardwicke, Tetworth, Everton, Sandy, Cardington, Great Barford, Wyboston....

I have to say climbing the stairs was the hardest part of the day and my knees today, a day on, are really hurting. Lots of ibuprofen methinks on the journey. The 33 miles itself wasn't too bad and I completed it in 2 1/2 hours, this included a couple of stops, one for a phone call, the other at traffic lights (for ages......). Some of the climbs were hard work though and I suspect this is going to be my downfall on the trip itself.

Richard and Lynn have booked to come to France and Jen wants me to book her too...Pat I think is coming too so there will be a few to greet me on the Champs Elysees on 13th Sept!