tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86178365001415543592012-02-12T15:54:38.784ZThis blog is about setting personal challenges through cycling.Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.comBlogger3291100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-8166841341069555862011-11-11T00:37:00.003Z2011-11-11T00:55:23.376Z

I must say that last year the prospect of even paying off my overdraft was such a struggle in amongst personal and family issues was very hard. However things are picking up with the world of self employment. not perfect but I have secured a flight,car and campsite in the Alps in 2012 for the La Marrmote.I am looking to pick up some training after the new year and kick it up a gear. I was really

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-5302928864035395812011-10-26T22:52:00.017+01:002011-10-27T22:39:08.889+01:00

I was very lucky to win a day at the Newport Velodrome with Geraint Thomas through the website road.cc. It was my first ever time on the track and I did not know what to expect having never ridden in a velodrome.I was a little nervous at first but with a few laps under my belt I was flying round without much trouble.I had some good banter with the other guys that came down and everyone agreed it

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-44076005549193131732011-09-09T16:44:00.017+01:002011-09-09T17:25:16.464+01:00

The annual visit up to do the Bealach Na Ba Mor was greeted by the BBC who were filming the event for Naked Earth so I might be on the TV at sometime! I never seen Richard Hammond but if I did I was going to ask him why Jeremy Clarkson is an annoying prat and why he really chosses to stay in Chipping Norton. Jeremy Clarkson is not a friend to cyclists if you read any of his spew in the

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-2978298744215759232011-09-01T16:11:00.002+01:002011-09-09T17:32:30.461+01:00

I have not updated the blog for a while as I have been rather busy away from cycling which is both a good and bad thing. Anyway, I did the Graeme Obree Classic Sportive a while ago down in Ayrshire a few months ago and highly recommend the event.It was the first year running and it had its good and bad points, but on the whole is was a great event apart from me getting lost a few times.Check out

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-14584987513826832722011-07-18T01:59:00.019+01:002011-07-19T23:22:33.293+01:00

I managed to get up for the ride with Lance Armstrong that set off at just after 5pm in Dornoch. There was about 1000+ of us all waiting to start the ride. Amazing atmosphere!It was a little jittery at the start with everyone trying to get a place up with Lance and I seen at least 3 come off in the first few miles.Before the first climb I managed to get a chat with Lance on the front. It was just

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-75561910600920941132011-05-18T23:34:00.007+01:002011-05-18T23:44:12.546+01:00

Did the Etape Caledonia 2011 in 4:13 that's 13 mins more than last year! not to bad considering I have only been out a few times this year. Also I weigh about 6kg more than I was for the Etape du Tour in 2010.Got another event the Trossachs Ton in the next 4 weeks so looking to do better than last years time.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-11508562580025030752011-04-30T10:29:00.011+01:002011-04-30T10:42:40.597+01:00

Did a ride down and around Arran on Thursday. Went fine considering I have not done much riding this year and was really knackered after a modest 50 miler last weekend!Got the Etape Cal in a few weeks, so I know the miles will be no problem. However getting under 4 hours will be! but we shall see might surprise myself.Some photos and new Polar CS200 ride stats. Ride Fast Ride Safe

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-3382325567692035392011-04-23T22:02:00.010+01:002011-04-30T10:41:34.014+01:00

Long time no blog. Bike is going good, just need to get a 80mm stem and lossen up the front mech. Nice ride, so I am happy with it at the moment. I need a RSP badge if anyone knows where to get one. Going to ask on Retrobike forum. Ride Fast Ride Safe

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-11747034199379729772011-01-09T14:19:00.005Z2011-01-09T14:46:01.760Z

I received a bit of bad news in that I missed the cut off date for the La Marmotte so I will have to do it next year. I will focus on a UK event like the Etape Caledonia or the Fred Whitton Challenge.Upset yes but there is always next year.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-65298071349832935222010-12-29T17:19:00.002Z2010-12-29T17:56:31.798Z

Haven't done much in the way of training in the last three weeks. This is mostly due to the weather and the festive holiday period.I plan to restart some training during the first week of January. It will be much the same layout as last year doing intervals and hill repeats. I will not be doing many sportives next year, maybe two at most the etape cal and the trossachs ton.Looking foward to the

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-25089966410681010322010-12-05T10:24:00.004Z2010-12-05T19:32:01.273Z

Yeah the title is a bit misleading as there is no way I would be going out on the bike in current conditions. However I have been doing some turbo work over the last few weeks along with other fitness activities.Training is not as sophisticate as way back at the start of the year. Out has went the Garmin 305 mainly because the 12 hour battery life is no good to me and I find having to charge it

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-26517632994921160742010-11-17T19:41:00.001Z2010-11-17T19:44:33.687Z

Graeme Obree a true working class scottish hero on what he thinks of time and how it should be used. One of the best cyclists of all time. Amazing!Full story at Road CC

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-54545005903148830282010-11-09T07:00:00.006Z2010-11-21T20:52:46.618Z

Took hold of the Raleigh Timet as it arrived in the post yesterday morning. It was much what I expected and looks in good condition.I spent most of last night stripping the frame down and polishing it up. Man what a job and a very time consuming and messy one at that. But finally I got it done. It is going to be a while before I do any more work on the Raleigh but will update the blog when I

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-35961584051821792942010-11-04T17:40:00.005Z2010-11-04T17:49:26.392Z

I have decided on a new project as I found that I did not really gel with the Planet X Ti Road frame. I do not know why that is as it is a great frame. I am basically just really fussy when it comes to bikes, if only I had a geared Pearson Touche! and thats what I am aiming for here.I have managed to get hold of a Raleigh Timet Titanium road frame from a member of Retrobike for £215 with carbon

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-80140873228807664492010-10-17T23:10:00.002+01:002010-10-17T23:14:44.626+01:00

Thinking about entering the La Marmotte in 2011. I think registration opens in a few weeks time from now.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-38868151330874234482010-09-06T20:57:00.004+01:002010-09-06T21:14:03.019+01:00

I went up to Applecross to do the 2010 Bealach Mor which in now my 6th or 7th time for both the Bealach events.Weather wise is was the best yet with the conditions beign perfect for doing the route. I rode most of the route with the same bunch of riders from Deeside Thistle Cycling Club so thanks for the nice company and help ladies and ofcourse gents.Time wise I was 6hrs 1 min with 15 mins rest

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-38757097448368752942010-07-26T22:25:00.002+01:002010-07-26T22:36:20.473+01:00

I reckon I will call time on the blog for a while until I have some other epic cycling idea and who knows what that might be. It has been really enjoyable doing the blog yet again for another Etape du Tour and also reading all the other Etape blogs. For those that read the blog I hope you enjoyed it. I think it is good that people can relate to others through cycling. I suppose it really is as

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-23301032478056925152010-07-26T22:01:00.009+01:002010-07-26T22:18:41.151+01:00

After a few days of waiting it looks like I am not in the official results! I understand the timing mats where removed at around 6:50 which means I must have been over 11hrs 30 mins if I started at 7:20. I know I did not get passed by the broom wagon and someone I spoke to who finished 10 mins later behind myself told me it was 5 mins behind him. Anyway I got a Etape medal at the top of the

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-37375038973760260932010-07-26T18:21:00.011+01:002010-07-27T09:25:20.980+01:00

Here is some photos I got on the Tourmalet before, during and after stage 17 of the 2010 Tour de France. The 1st one here is of me walking up the Tourmalet from La Mongie as you can see it is a little wet and misty. In the 2nd one you see that all the mist is gone and it looks like a super day! but it only lasted half an hour sadly. In the 3rd one you can see right down the bottom of the

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-52338994372254461832010-07-25T23:05:00.003+01:002010-07-25T23:18:06.391+01:00

In between doing the Etape I managed to watch the end of Stage 15, 16 and 17 of the Tour de France. The best of them was stage 17 Pau - Tourmalet which was quite an experience! Stage 15 and 16 were good but I did not see much action due to the large crowds. Watching all the sponsors come in before the Tour de France stage 16 was quite unreal! They really know how to get the crowd going, I have

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-4947231027497358332010-07-18T22:38:00.005+01:002010-07-18T23:04:06.896+01:00

The Etape started at 7 am on Sunday morning on what looked like to be excellent weather conditions, nice bright and sunny. It took me a good fifteen minutes to get over the start line after being right in the back pen.The first climb of the day, the Marie Blanc, went pretty well and I did not find that a hard climb at all, however, on the final three kilometres there was a bottle neck which left

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-9993700466518277182010-07-17T15:12:00.005+01:002010-07-17T15:34:41.620+01:00

We set off on Monday 12th from Glasgow to Dover with no problems. However the drive from Dunkirk to Lourdes on Tuesday was a bit of a nightmare with the Sat Nav going mental at times. We finally made it to Lourdes 16 hours later at 2am after several holds ups and traffic jams in Paris!. Never again I swear it.For most of the week I have had a cold! Yeah perfect timing I know. However today I feel

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-11632230991012805662010-07-11T11:41:00.002+01:002010-07-11T11:45:22.825+01:00

Well that is me done all the training that I needed to do for the Etape 2010. I am quite happy with the way it all went and the miles I have done. I think this time round I have trained smarter than last with the focus more on diet and making the most of the time on the bike. I have surly not done as many miles as I did for the 2008 Etape but what I have done for the 2010 Etape I am happy

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-35084236520177156172010-07-07T22:22:00.002+01:002010-07-07T22:34:47.724+01:00

I have not been out for any serious rides for about 8 days now! The weather has not been kind nor have I had much free time to get out. I did plan to get out for a good 50 miles ride tonight but got tied up with a few things so just did a quick 25 miles round the Queens View.I will have the final ride on Friday before I strip down the bike and do a service on it. All looks fine just a clean up

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-83136900912479736982010-06-29T22:27:00.001+01:002010-06-29T22:33:49.517+01:00

No hill repeats tonight and zero motivation. The thought of hill repeats was enough to make me change route fast. Instead I took a run out to Drymen which has a few uphills on the way back but nothing major.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-52914727065924502252010-06-27T23:46:00.003+01:002010-06-27T23:57:24.461+01:00

Just a short 22 mile ride round the Queens View today.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-4118926711598533582010-06-26T22:44:00.005+01:002010-06-26T23:50:06.192+01:00

Just thinking and planning the time down in the Pyrenees which will be in about two weeks time. We will head off on the 12th of July to Dover and then head to Lourdes from Dunkirk on the 13th. On Friday 16th we wil spend the day in Pau and get registered for the Etape and book ourselves a place on the bus back to Pau from La Mongie where we will leave the car on Satuarday the 17th. After

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-73140627577071923602010-06-25T22:54:00.005+01:002010-06-25T23:06:35.468+01:00

Up the Crow Road for some hill repeats today for 2 climbs. Had a small rest down at Clachan of Campsie then back up the Crow and round the Campsie Glen with a fellow cyclist.Another 17:08 time on the Crow this time with a higher avg heart rate. Looks like it will be a easy ride on Sunday.Friday RideCrow Road Repeats - Split 2 & 4

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-20673310973352799272010-06-22T23:33:00.002+01:002010-06-22T23:36:39.814+01:00

Out to the Crow Road for some hill repeats tonight. Nice night for some climbing two up and two down. Looks like a PB on the first climb 17:08.Tuesday RideCrow Road Repeats - Split 2 & 4

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-87913390502386152502010-06-20T21:55:00.008+01:002010-06-22T23:31:45.144+01:00

Super conditions for the Trossachs Ton today starting in the town of Stirling. Quite pleased with the ride and time on the climbs in particular the Dukes Pass in to Loch Katrine. The Crow Road was a bit of a struggle as always more so today in the blistering heat.The final time was 5hrs30mins ride time for just under 100 miles at a avg speed of 18 mph. A great time for me due to the fact I was

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-88792027334244866802010-06-19T13:23:00.005+01:002010-06-19T13:32:52.536+01:00

Took a run down the west coast to Largs yesterday via Loch Thom. It is not familiar territory going the Loch Thom route and I did get lost a few times and had a puncture on the middle of a very steep hill! Not the best ride down but eventually I got on the right road and fixed the flat.This is the route back up which went a bit better than the route down. At least on the positive side you can not

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-51664787220643160372010-06-18T21:27:00.004+01:002010-06-18T21:40:08.241+01:00

A write up of the Etape du Tour 2010 from Rapha. I read the write up for the 2008 Etape from Rapha and yet again I can say this years write up is well written, inspiring with great photos.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-63097453075438246222010-06-15T20:50:00.002+01:002010-06-15T21:06:33.783+01:00

Some hill repeats up and down the Crow Road tonight this time just the 2 up and down. Will try and get back out on Friday for more and then do the Trossachs Ton on Sunday.Tuesday RideCrow Road Repeats - Split 2 & 4

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-6999010633165133002010-06-14T20:28:00.010+01:002010-06-14T20:40:25.989+01:00

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-6585567761718223602010-06-12T21:22:00.005+01:002010-06-12T21:31:40.305+01:00

Great event down in Newcastle today doing my first Northern Rock Cyclone. I found the route very challenging with quite a lot of climbs that I was not expecting. The finish time for the 104 miles was 6hrs 23mins a little disappointing but not too bad. I found it hard to get in to any decent group today as all where either too fast or too slow for me.Quite a good event that was well marshalled and

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-74622804733147633982010-06-09T22:11:00.002+01:002010-06-09T22:16:41.611+01:00

Hill repeats tonight up and down the Crow Road once more and this time I managed 3 up and down. Again I was trying to keep in the 92 - 94% MHR for the 3 hill repeats and a cadence 75-80. It went well but I seem to prefare to push a bigger gear at a lower cadence but I will keep reaching for that cadence zone.Tough session tonight at least I was not alone quite a few cyclist out on the Crow

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-7548040885037012982010-06-06T23:23:00.002+01:002010-06-06T23:27:27.071+01:00

Just looking back on some rides I have done and logged on this blog for the last few years. I was looking for ones where I was at 100% of my ability taking in to account a high average speed and heart rate. The Etape Caledonia 2008 and 2010 came close for average speed but for average heart rate there was no match to this one. It was the Glasgow Nightingale 2UP 25 Mile Time Trial. I maxed a

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-90066046398873697702010-06-06T20:58:00.002+01:002010-06-06T21:56:47.587+01:00

Up the Tak Ma Doon along the Carron Valley and da Crow.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-46682549179857312052010-06-05T21:38:00.002+01:002010-06-05T21:47:23.807+01:00

I planned to do some hill repeats on Friday up and down the Crow Road but it was just too damm hot. The last few days have been really hot up here so I could only manage 1 rep up the Crow then headed home.However down in Lennoxtown I got talking to another cyclist who was doing a loop round the Campsie Glen so I did that with them. So back up the Crow Road again sweating buckets!A good ride out

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-78209517628326213232010-06-01T23:15:00.003+01:002010-06-01T23:27:45.795+01:00

Nothing more sure to get fire under your ass than finding out you are starting near enough last on the 2010 Etape du Tour. Not that I am worried too much by the high number as I am sure a good time gap will be given on the broom wagon. However I will not know you much until the cut off times are published. So with that I did some hill repeats tonight up and down the Crow. With resetting the

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-57688013669726621242010-06-01T15:48:00.003+01:002010-06-01T17:07:24.344+01:00

Checked my number for the Etape du Tour on there website and it is 9708!. Dear me not what I wanted. This is going to be more harder than expected! Better get out for some hills tonight!

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-53607001532509125892010-05-31T22:55:00.007+01:002010-05-31T23:18:19.665+01:00

I have decided to change over the settings of the Garmin heart rate monitor to maximum heart rate rather than average maximum heart rate as used by the TCTP. The reason for this is that I am no longer using the TCTP at this moment until maybe after the Etape du Tour.I do plan do some hill repeats for the next 4 weeks working in the 92% - 94% MHR range but not using anything from TCTP. The new

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-5897581907931883262010-05-30T20:45:00.005+01:002010-05-30T21:12:46.569+01:00

I decided to take the Pearson Touche single speed (48x18) for the 90 mile trip up to Oban on Saturday instead of the PlanetX. The reason behind this was because I was not in any hurry to get to Oban and that I could attach some touring panniers. However it did not work out like that as I decided at the last minute just to take a rucksack with some clothes and shoes, so I could go out when I got

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-32863994217205445552010-05-25T21:58:00.003+01:002010-05-25T22:24:10.531+01:00

A quick 2 hour ride up to the foot of the Campsie Fells tonight and then back home. I was meant to try and get out twice a week starting this week for some hill training but time does not allow. So instead the idea of tonight's ride was to attack moderate hills with Hillsprints just trying to get to the top without blowing up. I reckon I will focus on these for the next four weeks rather than

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-84064152958053163972010-05-22T22:53:00.006+01:002010-05-22T23:22:41.098+01:00

Out for a local ride to see some friends today and watch the football with a ride back home tonight. A good average speed on the way back with the help of cheers from a few of the East End of Glasgow pubs. I reckon that is what happens when you shoot through a Center and East End of a city like Glasgow on a Saturday night with a Radio Shack shirt and Lycra on at 20 odd mph! I though for a min I

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-77567927916592225502010-05-18T13:01:00.005+01:002010-05-18T19:46:11.489+01:00

A collection of photos from the Etape Caledonia 2010 taken by Sportcam. Six in total, click to enlarge and browse through.Etape Caledonia 2010 Photos

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-35355063174209802072010-05-18T12:26:00.004+01:002010-05-18T12:32:43.915+01:00

Dear Readers, Bloggers, Friends I have but do not know, Just Happen To Find The Blog Folks and so onWe have until May 23 to help LIVESTRONG raise $25,000 dollars for the global fight against cancer. I need your help – RIGHT NOW!LIVESTRONG Action just launched I RIDE FOR LIVESTRONG, a virtual version of the Tour of California. The Tour is the biggest cycling event in the United States, and Lance

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-15770476120010502922010-05-16T22:11:00.008+01:002010-05-25T22:25:02.864+01:00

Wow what a day, 100% all out and I did it sub 4 hours with 27 seconds to spare! This was a hard ride today that I just did not let up on. I was constantly pushing the group I was in for about 30 miles trying to speed up the pace. The conditions were great and the pace round the route was as I expected. As with these events it is hard to get a perfect group as you are looking for a pack that are

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-73535703301590599122010-05-14T23:03:00.007+01:002010-05-14T23:18:53.012+01:00

Just finished checking the PlanetX over and making sure I have everything for the Etape Caledonia on Sunday. I will be heading up tomorrow morning and staying overnight spending the day watching the Scottish Cup Final in a pub. Not much else to do I guess until the big day.So bike already, passport check, entry number check, saddle bag check, gels n drinks check and err cycling shoes check...I do

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-53144451115277970332010-05-11T20:02:00.004+01:002010-05-11T20:28:50.603+01:00

I have been using ISO Energy for a few years now so thought I would post a write up about it. Why anyone would take my advice on energy/isotonic sports drinks is another matter but here it goes. The review is in my own opinion and should I hope be of some value to anyone that reads. Also I am not paid to promote any particular brand of energy drink.First off I think ISO Energy is good (just in

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-81483117308480251362010-05-11T15:57:00.003+01:002010-05-11T16:20:36.380+01:00

Did some hill repeats on the Crow and Station Road in the Campsie Fells near Lennoxtown this morning. It was 2 up and 2 down on both hills but I do not think I will do the Station Road again after being attacked by a field mouse! Yeah that is right he ran right in to me on the climb I fell off and ended up with a sore arse he ended up dead. A real shame for the wee fella I do not know what he was

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-39333167795876231712010-05-09T21:38:00.001+01:002010-05-09T21:40:39.546+01:00

A great ride round the three lochs today in very good weather conditions. I set a solo personal best for this route in 4:15 mins knocking off 5 mins from a previous personal best time. I can only put the time down to the new shoes giving me more power on the hills. Five mins is not a lot and there is still room for improvement especially on climbs but I am confident I will do sub 4 hours for the

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-77709821907674871152010-05-07T22:27:00.002+01:002010-05-07T22:34:34.405+01:00

A short 26 mile ride out to Alistair Gow to get the wheels trued up tonight. Talk about a strong head wind on the way out! But super stuff on the way back in to Glasgow.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-19229033632243061952010-05-03T20:41:00.005+01:002010-05-03T21:27:15.837+01:00

It was a better day out today on the bike with the new pedals and shoes with a trip round the Campsie Fells. I am still finding the cleats a bit tricky and look like a total and utter noob trying to get in to them at the lights. I reckon that is what happens when you switch over to a total new pedal and cleat system but I reckon it will come good as riding time goes on.After a short 30 min visit

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-41844383350290066802010-05-02T22:43:00.005+01:002010-05-02T23:07:16.578+01:00

I was planning a long 55 miles ride today but it turned out to be only 20 miles. I purchased a new pair of Sidi Zephyr shoes a few weeks ago and this was the first time out on them together with some Look Keo Classic pedals so it took a bit of messing about.It took a little time getting used to the new setup with me having to take the saddle up about 10mm as the Look Keo cleats stick out more

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-2313986094617946822010-04-25T19:20:00.003+01:002010-04-25T19:26:18.624+01:00

It was much the same ride as Tuesday today with doing a local loop ride. A good avg speed today as I felt quite good physically.No major rides planned until next weekend.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-47657319746203356242010-04-20T21:05:00.002+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.257+01:00

I have not done any major cycling since the last ride two Sundays ago. I will be taking it easy for the next two weeks and then focus on some hill training. The next sportive I have will be the Etape Caledonia on the 16 of May so I am looking forward to that one.The ride I did tonight was a 15 odd mile loop I like to do.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-53303137966160648502010-04-12T10:14:00.008+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.258+01:00

Sunday was a big run a very big run maybe a bit too big as I sit here recovering from the day just past.I set of for the 33 mile route to Ardrossan to catch the Calmac ferry to Arran just before 7am early Sunday morning. The idea was to ride down to Ardrossan catch the 1 hour ferry to Arran and then do the 56 mile loop of the island and cycle back up from Ardrossan to Glasgow in total 122 miles!

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-91134086340315888462010-04-10T11:18:00.004+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.259+01:00

A short run out to Clachan of Campsie to test out the new Continental Ultra Gator Skins tyres. Planning a big ride tomorrow, hopefully the tyres and my legs hold up.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-32976318938922063722010-04-09T16:11:00.002+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.261+01:00

These were the last interval sessions of the TCTP which is now in its 11 and final week. I did 3x10 SS today that went really well on what must have been the best track conditions of the year. I really enjoyed these today and wanted to do more but I have a big ride on Sunday with a easy hour out tomorrow morning. So left when I was still in good shape.Garmin - TCTP - EM 3X10 SS 09/04Garmin - TCTP

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-5341062261588259982010-04-07T14:59:00.007+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.262+01:00

The TCTP recommends that before a workout session consisting of high intensity intervals that a meal rich in carbohydrate be consumed. Since I have something to eat about 1 hour before training it is recommended I intake about 88g of carbohydrate which is based on using 1.1g per kg of weight. So that is something new for me as what I am consuming is 35.6g according to the information I have.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-81518894866368734452010-04-07T14:36:00.009+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.263+01:00

Out on the track today for 3x12min OU (Over/Under) sessions with a 8 min RBI. Not the best OU sessions as it was really windy with a lower than average cadence.Garmin - TCTP - EM 3X12 OU 07/04Garmin - TCTP - EM 3X12 OU 07/04 Stats

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-64186067542942309402010-04-06T23:03:00.006+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.264+01:00

I was meaning to type this down a long time ago to keep track on caloric intake and get some understanding in to it. What got me moving today on it was the amount of food I consumed! Particularly this afternoon/evening which was possibly double the amount that it has been for some time. I suspect this is because of the big ride on Sunday where I did not eat a lot and neither did I eat much on

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-70310085479781963422010-04-05T13:30:00.004+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.265+01:00

A cracking run out on Sunday with Rich and a few others. Great weather for a ride over to Dunoon it must have been the best day by far, just pefrect conditions.It was 102.5 miles for me all in when I got home back to Glasgow. Feels great to get some big miles done this year at last.Garmin - 100 Mile Sunday Run 04/04 Stats

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-57702674867718686882010-04-03T20:46:00.002+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.266+01:00

Just out for a hour today for a short spin about. You know that way when you leave the house and think you have forgot something well it happened to me today. It is quite an annoying thing and it was hard to pin down. I usually take my rucksack on my back when I go to the track but this was not a track day so it was not the rucksack I forgot. Then after 5 miles I got it...it was the heart rate

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-85467979023660573172010-04-02T18:12:00.007+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.267+01:00

Out to the track today for 4X2min PFPI with 3 min RIB. The conditions where better than they have been all this week so I managed to do some good intervals. The idea was to get over 101% on the PFPI done over 2 mins which is a really hard session. I managed about 98-100% on the sessions so it is an improvement but not perfect. I can not really say why I am not getting full power out but it will

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-20006553603862165502010-03-30T21:01:00.006+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.268+01:00

I will be focusing on Hillclimbs during the midweek come the month of May and moving away from the TCTP. So I thought I would blog some training plans and tips that I have got from a few sources. This also came as a good idea after reading Andrews Etape Blog and the good advice posted by Rich.So the main idea to improve hillclimbing is: Increasing your aerobic capacity - Increasing your power to

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-21170537309896202132010-03-30T19:03:00.007+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.269+01:00

Snow and it is nearly April! Yeah well it is strange times we live in I suppose. I will not go out in that no way, I maybe keen but I'm not that keen.Once more I was in the gym with the idea to do some PFPI but yet again I found it quite hard with numerous distractions. If I am going to do these I need to be out on the road with ideal conditions or at least no distractions. Since it will be most

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-40584371560502711002010-03-28T20:40:00.009+01:002010-04-20T21:35:04.270+01:00

I think I bit off a little more than I could chew today. I knew I wanted to do a big run at about 70 odd miles but not with all the climbing I did today. The elevation gain today all in was 1,845 meters taking in the Pipe Track from Drymen to Aberfoyle, The Dukes Pass, Top Of The World and then up the Crow Road.By the time I got to Lennoxtown I was really drained and thought I was going to bonk

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-45432880621265288392010-03-27T21:26:00.001Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.271+01:00

The sessions at the track today involved some 4x2 mins PFPI (Peak-Fade Power Intervals) with a 2 min RBI (Rest Between Intervals) followed by a 8 mins rest. After the 8 min rest period it was back to intervals involving 4x3 OU (Over Under) 2 Under and 1 Over with 3 mins RBI (Rest Between Intervals). Having done Over/Unders I know what they are about but doing the Peak-Fade Power Intervals is

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-83325008730006325412010-03-26T17:11:00.008Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.273+01:00

Did a indoor session due to the weather today. The sessions were 3x12 with 3 mins RBI. Will hopefully be out tomorrow for a short effort if the roads are dry.Garmin - TCTP - Indoor Session 3x12 26/03

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-65696726204417297722010-03-24T19:46:00.006Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.274+01:00

Today's training at the track did not work out all that good. I got there in the morning to find the track very wet and a schools sports day event in progress near the track. The last time this happened when a school was there it was a little hazardous with them messing about on the track. With this together with the rain I called it a day and went to the gym to use the indoor bike.The sessions

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-6575353049905096642010-03-23T17:33:00.006Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.275+01:00

The intervals at the track today were different from anything I have done before on the TCTP. They involved 4x3min FP (Fast Pedal) intervals at a high cadence at around 108 to 120 rpm with 3 min RBI (Rest Between Intervals).The intervals involved starting off for the first min at a easy cadence of 90 - 96 rpm then then upping it to 108 to 120. The focus here is to keep it as smooth as possible

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-28733595356769397072010-03-22T23:00:00.003Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.276+01:00

This is the 8th week of the TCTP with only another 2 weeks to go including this week to the finish. At the moment it would be premature of me to mention in great measure any positives or negatives about the TCTP. However what I can say for sure is that the TCTP gives a structure to a week of training following a plan developed by a professional (Chris Carmichael). I reckon that is important you

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-76458079073110560202010-03-21T14:05:00.008Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.277+01:00

Great ride out today round the 3 lochs at just under 72 miles with a average speed of 17mph. I managed to ride in with a bunch of guys from Inverclyde Velo who where happy for me to tag along for about a third of the ride. Nice bunch of friendly guys thanks a lot for the company.Sunday Run - Three Lochs 21/03 Garmin Ride Stats

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-44447240386086996122010-03-17T17:06:00.003Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.278+01:00

Not another one of those days! Yes you guessed it two flats a slow one on the rear and a slow one on the front. However it gets better as at the start when I was 1 min in to the intervals the Garmin battery went flat! It just keeps getting better dont it.I'm a optimist at heart and if you knew me then you would know why. When it comes to cycling you just have to get on with it, so I did.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-88194401885502778042010-03-16T19:30:00.009Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.279+01:00

What was that about "Everything seemed to either break or give up with anything to do cycling this week" in the last blog post? Well it seems it has worked its way over to this week, well today anyway.I headed over to the track doing a nice and easy EM ride this morning and all was well. That is until I stopped to take off my wind jacket at the track and setup the Garmin Edge 305 for intervals.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-20472799701128597922010-03-14T21:43:00.004Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.280+01:00

Been a bit of a strange week where cycling has been placed second to a lot of other things that are going on. No ride today due to other commitments and that fact that I am without overshoes and a saddle bag. Everything seemed to either break or give up with anything to do cycling this week.I did do a 45 min session on the turbo, the first time I have used it since September 2009 since moving

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-65386341958535500092010-03-12T19:11:00.014Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.281+01:00

This is quite a controversial topic that I am sure all cyclists can relate to at one time in their cycling lives. Read the full story here.The personal view I have about the matter is yes it is bad but it is no worse than it has ever been. I have been on the receiving end of it before where I have not had a wave returned but I have had worse than that!. I have been in a situation where in a group

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-60167429665788755222010-03-10T18:07:00.007Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.282+01:00

Feeling the burn today and it was hard going. It must have been the weekend ride and yesterdays shorter intervals together with squats in the gym that made it hard today. By looking at the chart it looks like not a to bad effort compared to previous intervals. However the legs were really tired this morning and keeping the HR in the 91% - 94% SS was really very difficult. I had a cadence most of

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-66242469690724427232010-03-09T19:49:00.004Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.283+01:00

I was looking to get some intervals done today but the battery in the Garmin was flat. Not much to blog I did a few laps at the track but without a watch or a HR there is not a lot I can post.I have it on charge for tomorrow morning when I will visit the track before work.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-9252625453684598292010-03-07T15:11:00.002Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.284+01:00

The run today was round Campsie Fells going up the Tak Ma Doon (steep hard climb) road and along the Carron Valley then up the Crow Road (steep hard climb).I had to stop at the top of the Tak Ma Doon due to snow on the road! as it is still quite bad up there due to Stirling Council failing to grit the road. It was fine on the East Dumbartonshire side on the climb up so you can tell whos doing

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-4780435172169501972010-03-06T22:36:00.005Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.285+01:00

I spent most of today sorting out my fit on the bike as it is not something I have looked at in depth since I built the bike. At first I did know the stem I ordered (100mm) was to large so I put on a 80mm stem a few weeks ago. Today I made sure the cleats on my shoes were over the middle of the pedal which they were not. I usually have them set back as far as possible on the shoes as in the

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-58763514192688971192010-03-04T23:18:00.003Z2010-10-04T17:33:51.669+01:00

I managed to get booked up for three nights in Pau for the 17/18/19, super stuff and one less thing to worry about.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-23680786017756420852010-03-03T14:39:00.009Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.288+01:00

The interval sessions at the track today seen a higher than average cadence for each of the three sessions. I put this down to the better conditions rather than extra effort as yesterdays efforts was quite taxing on me.Garmin - TCTP - EM & 3x10 SS 03/03 Garmin - TCTP - EM & 3x10 SS 03/03 Stats

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-80100948693057889602010-03-02T20:09:00.010Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.289+01:00

Now this a biggest headache of the whole trip. I have had several ideas includeing hireing a caravan! but unfortualey the hire company will not allow it in to France so thats that out and beisdes it is way too expensive. So it will be the car we will take. We plan to spend two weeks in France and catch a bit of the tour includeing the Etape stage and then home. We will be heading off on the 12th

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-77115470012876930832010-03-02T18:29:00.006Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.290+01:00

Out to the track today for 3x9 OU (Over/Under) intervals. This is the first time I have done these intervals from the book so I was a little confused as how to go about them at first. This is what is down in the book 60-90 min (EM) 3x9 OU (2U, 1O) (6 Min RBI). So it works out as 2 min SS (steadystate which is also under) 91% - 94% HR and then 1 min 95% - 97% HR (which is over) to be done 3 times

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-53934416840175215672010-02-28T18:40:00.005Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.291+01:00

Unfortunately the Evans Ride It sportive was called off due to the bad weather conditions up here in Scotland. I think the decision to call off the ride was made some days in advance of the weekend as to be honest it is not really that bad up here now. I set off on my own today to do the Three Lochs Ride which is a 75 mile ride up to Arrochar and back home to Glasgow via Loch Lomand side. It was

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-88839280257356176922010-02-23T18:21:00.003Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.292+01:00

Strange goings on at the track today trust me to pick a day that was a school sports day. After speaking with one of the teachers I was assured that the track will not be getting used by them but just the surrounding grass area. Good result so off I went to get the intervals done.I was going to call it a day a after 1 lap as I knew there might be problems. Some kid decided to go on the track and

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-13128618368255212462010-02-21T17:59:00.005Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.293+01:00

This was quite a hard one today but really enjoyable and a great work out. The route was Glasgow to Aberfoyle going up the top of the Dukes Pass and then back home. The pace from the group was brisk most of the time with me at LT (91% - 94%). Heading in to Aberfoyle at one point seen the HR at 101% going 33mph it did not last long though. Well and truly knackered today and in need of a good power

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-76086478789560837872010-02-21T00:19:00.003Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.294+01:00

When thinking back to some of the experiences I had on the Col du Tourmalet during the Etape du Tour 2008 it fills me with a sense of fear and apprehension. I admit I had a lot of bad luck that day with the two punctures, lost gloves, bad weather...I could go on and on yeah it was not the best ride. For me during 2008 it was my life full stop perhaps thats why it still has such strong memories.I

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-83218883418997184652010-02-20T15:26:00.003Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.295+01:00

Just a short 20mile ride out on the new PlanetX today. It feels all set up nice but I will have to get a 80mm stem as I am just a little over streched. I will take it out on a long ride tomorrow if the weathers good.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-58353684556994314032010-02-19T18:06:00.013Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.296+01:00

Finally I am glad to blog that the Planet X bike is now all ready to go out and get dirty. I was planning to take it out today but I had to get the carbon fork cut at the bike shop. There was also the issue with a chain problem that for some strange reason I cut too short? Still can not work out how I managed that!. I asked Gear Bikes to give the bike the once over to check all is ok before it

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-19184549180299581812010-02-19T17:52:00.004Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.297+01:00

Quite a cold one this morning out at the track to do some 3 x 10 SS intervals. It is the first time in a while that my ears were as cold as my feet!Anyway I was not the only one there this morning as there was someone else doing some intervals. I got on with my own 3x10 all the same, they went well nice with steady HR 0f 91% - 94% and cadence at 90 rpm.Garmin - TCTP - EM & 3x10 SS 19/02Garmin EM

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-66693682221788195672010-02-16T17:47:00.002Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.298+01:00

This afternoon I went for a ride out to Paisley which is just a few miles outside Glasgow. This was just to get a EM ride after finishing work and pick up some lunch. I also visited the location of the ride with Lance Armstrong, good memories to help me get motivated for some track work.On the track I did 3x12 SS with the second feeling the best. In fact they all felt good, since two weeks ago I

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-13385196292433318012010-02-14T16:18:00.010Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.300+01:00

I was planning to go down the west coast to Largs this morning but it was a little wet early this morning. I decided I would go out a shorter run round the Campsie Fells later on in the day.The ride turned out to be a good one and I quite enjoyed the route round the Glen. The view over to Loch Lomand and The Trossachs was super today, deffenelty a camera moment only if I had it with me. Quite a

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-40425948102929292072010-02-13T17:16:00.003Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.301+01:00

I was out today early morning over to the track for a 1hr EM (Endurance Miles) ride at 70% - 75% MHR. In between I did 2 sets of 2min with 3min rest SEPI (Steady Effort Power Intervals).I found the first set on intervals very hard going for just the 2 mins. These were meant to be a 100+% but I found that I just could not get any power out I was lucky if I got to 100%. I do not know why that was,

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-23607423587777633692010-02-10T15:08:00.002Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.302+01:00

Another three interval sessions this time at 10 minutes as it should have been yesterday. The conditions were cold (frozen feet cold) but nice and bright with a bit of wind. The efforts felt better today than yesterday in particular with the second and third sessions. I got the feeling that cadence was better than yesterdays efforts but the charts tell the truth.Hopefully the Planet X will be

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-27093447084412306202010-02-09T18:41:00.015Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.303+01:00

I did a EM and 3x8 SS session today (should have been 3x10) at the track. The conditons were dry but a little windy. This is the first time I have got any valueable data from the Garmin since it is a new piece of equipment. But its still giving problems.For the 3x8 sessions the graph shows my cadence at avg 77rpm and hr 156bpm (85%)! I think that is a little inaccurate! Looking at the chart

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8617836500141554359.post-20817782338826971682010-02-07T16:38:00.001Z2010-04-20T21:35:04.304+01:00

I did about 30 laps round the track the day with a few from the club. No data for this ride as I am not having much luck with the Garmin and could not upload any data due to errors. Hope to have better luck next week.

Alechttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02523957276798972972noreply@blogger.com0