TRAINING FEBRUARY 2011
01/02/2011 Well after 6'5 mile ride back from the bike shop with Suzanne in tow, I nipped out for an hour and done another 15 miles. Bike felt good after its service should be great in the lakes at the weekend.
02/02/2011 Birthday today so an early start was called for. 08:00am out for a 26.28 miles ride. Windy and cold!! Average speed of 13.2mph and total time 1hr 58mins. Later on after a birthday treat at the pics from Suzanne. I went for a sauna and a swim,, just a mile though I was a bit done in off the ride.
03/02/2011 Windy out there today and its getting worse. I only managed 13.2 miles in just under an hour. So if it continues like this I'll not be taking the bike to the lakes this week end. Just have to hit the gym and pool where I'm going.
04th, 05th and 06th Been away on a weekend break could'nt take the bike so down the gym it was! A nice change also checked out the A6 stretch from Penrith through Shap. Its gonna be a tough stage but the scenery is fantastic.
07/02/2011 DAY OFF!!
08/02/2011 So after a day off and a weekend in the lakes with out the bike I decided I would push my self a bit. I done a nice 26.05m average speed 13.5mph which took me 1hr 55mins. I managed to tackle Whickam bank and also the bank from Team Valley through Allerdene up to Wrekenton in Gateshead. I must of looked tired because as approached the top of Whickam bank a woman said keep it up your nearly there!! Shap won't be a problem.
09/02/2011 A nice early start today. Left the house at 07:30 and it was pretty damp out. I head along the river route past the Sage and Tyne Bridge. Turned back on myself and headed down the north side of the Tyne after crossing the Blaydon Bridge. Through Newcastle Quayside and along the river route to the Pedestrian Tunnel. 24.86m 1hr 44 mins average speed 14.4mph. Followed this with a quarter mile in the swimming pool and a chill out in the sauna.
10/02/2011 It was a lovely day for cycling and I thought I would take myself off for a bit of a journey. Headed to the hills towards and beyond Rowlands Gill through High Spen, Greenside and Blaydon. Then over the river into Newcastle through the Quayside where I was surrounded by a load of tourists. Of course they moved when I rang my bell. Then down the north side of the river to Pedestrian tunnel and home.. Thank god!! 36.84miles average speed 13.5mph and total time 2hrs 44mins.
11/02/2011 Another damp and dreary day just nipped out for a quick run 23.48miles, average speed 14.6mph, total time 1hr 38mins. Boosted by some good news on the sponsorship side of things I breezed through it.
12/02/2011 Day off! Thought I would take a rest today as the weather was too nice. I mean I might as well wait until its rainy and windy tomorrow. I have to train expecting the worse conditions for the real event.
13/02/2011 This mornings plan was endurance! As expected it was wet and the wind was picking up a bit. The thought was to do my own version of the 3 peaks but on a local scale. So I headed out up to Heworth and along Sunderland road and at the end turned left up Deckham Bank in Gateshead this carries on through Sherrifs Hill and Beacons Lough and then onto Wrekenton.
I then seen Penshaw Monument in the distance so Headed through Springwell and off through Washington making my way down to the river wear at Fatfield. Then the ascent to Penshaw. I took the back roads towards the golf course and then climbed some pretty harsh banks. Once in the top and in the distance I could see my next challenge Downhill in between Boldon and South Hylton, Sunderland.
I made my way through penny well and over the Queen Alexandra Bridge down onto the riverside and along to where I started my ascent once again toward Downhill. (Its only Down hill if you go the opposite way). From there home.
28.02miles, 2hrs 02mins average speed 13.8mph. I felt like there was a lot left in the tank. It may be time to up the anti. Next weekend a ride back from Seahouses hopefully!
14/02/2011 Headed off to the north side of the river tyne today and then towards the coast at Tynemouth. I carried on up the coast line past St. Mary's Lighthouse and over the Northumberland border into Seaton Sluice. The scenery was fantastic and Its got me buzzing for my trip to Seahouses on Thursday. I headed back in land through Earsdon, Shiremoor, Backworth and then through Benton, Forrest Hall and past the Freeman Hospital to Gosforth. After that I headed through the Newcastle City Center over the Tyne Bridge and down onto the river then home. Total distance 30.05m time taken 2hrs 5mins average speed 14.6mph
15/02/2011 Just a short ride today as there was a lot going. 16.51m 1hr 8mins average 14.6mph. Kept it short but made it challanging.
16/02/2011 Had a busy day today so did'nt get out until late. I had the photographer for the local press then I was touting for sponsorship and then I had to speak with the reporter for the local press. I went out about 4 o'clock and 2miles into my ride I got my first puncture while I was out on the road. I had a 3 inch screw stuck in the back tyre stopping me in my tracks!
Any way I had 2 choices walk home pushing my bike or give my dad a ring and ask him to take my wheel to the nearest bike shop. So this is what I did. I gave him a call and he was there in 10 minutes he took the wheel around to the shop and had a new inner tube fitted he bought a spare as well and brought it all back for me total time off the road 40 mins.
Off I went for a good ride 1hr 35 mins average speed 14.8mph 23.76miles. All set for Sea houses tomorrow now.
17/02/2011 Cold day today and we arrived in seahouses just befor 11am. I sorted the car out and my bike and after a couple of PHOTOS I was on my way. I had a/greed to meet up with my support crew for the day (Suzanne and Ali) in Warkworth. I took the coastal route and everything was going well. The country side in Northumberland is fantastic and I was lucky enough to some deer in some woodland I passed. Oh did I say everything was going well? It was until I took a wrong turning! I ended up almost in Craster but once I realised my mistake then I soon sorted myself out. I got to Warkworth where Ali promptly jumped out of the car and started taking photos.
Then after a couple of minutes to top up some water and eat a couple of biscuits I was on the road again. This time I had agreed to meet up in Blyth with the girls. I headed along passed Amble and on the long road toward Ashington. Not a huge amount to see some nice castles and villages along the way though. I went on and through Ashington and then in to Bedlington and then another wrong turning! I was feeling some pain and my back was getting tired, but this is what I expected I was already further than I had ridden this year and still had plenty more to go. I put my head down got myself back on route and through to Blyth where Suzanne and Alison waited for another refreshment top up.
After about 5 minutes I was back on the road and homeward bound!! This had to be the toughest leg of them all. I rode through Blyth and along the coastal route toward Seaton Sluice and then onto Whitley Bay. There was a really long steady incline from Byth all the way to the far side of Seaton Sluice. Probably about 4 to 5 miles of steady climbing. I was now in pain. My back was aching and my legs starting to burn. Thank god for the steady decent into Whitley bay.
This along with an in take of water refreshed me for the final push for home. I travelled along the coast line with Tynemoth Priory in my view and then off towards and through North Shields. This stretch of road seemed to feel good and I was through the Pedestrian Tunnel and into Jarrow in no time at all. The next 2.6 miles did'nt seem too bad although as climbed the bridge over the rail way just around the corner from home there was some kids running up almost as fast as I was pedaling. I managed to push myself a bit more as I approached the final 300 meters or so and then I was home!!! tired and hurting but still with a bit in the tank I completed my journey. 64.55 miles, 4hrs 33mins, average speed 14.1mph.
18/02/2011 Well after yesterdays test I decided to have an early start to see how my body would react after a hard ride the previous day. So I was out by 8 a.m. and to be honest felt pretty fresh considering. I headed towards Gateshead along the Felling by pass and up to the top of Bensham Bank. I then headed off down hill towards the cycle paths on the river back towards the Millenium Bridge. Over the bridge and along the North river route to the Pedestrian tunnel and home. It was quite cold but I felt fine. 17.51 miles 1hr 15mins and average speed14.1mph. I just need to build on this now but this ride has reassured me that getting straight back into the saddle after a hard day previous is'nt going to be too bad! Or is it?
19/02/2011 DAY OFF!! A well deserved day off started at 08:30 with a visit to see some potential help with fundraising and late off to see Tim Binks at RIDE on Scotswood Road, Newcastle to pick up some clothing he kindly donated and show him this weeks newspaper article. Back on the road tomorrow.
20/02/2011 I was out and about at 08:30 and the weather was cold but dry. I hadn't planned a particular route and decided to do last Sundays ride in reverse. I knew from the week previous that there were some tough hills to encounter.
I was feeling good and set off in the direction of Sunderland. There was a slight head wind when heading this way and I could feel the chill, but other than this everything was fine. The roads were quiet and the only people out were joggers and dog walkers. Its amazing how many joggers there are since the great North Run and Race for Life entries came around.
29.1 miles, 2hrs 7 mins and average speed 13.8mph.
21/02/2010 It was a pretty busy day with job interviews and taking some cycle wear to the printers and by the time I was home I really didn't feel like going out on the bike. I looked out and seen the weather, cold and really wet. I made the effort any way and managed to wrap up warm and dry enough to stay comfortable.
After yesterdays ride which contained a few good size hills I decided i would try some thing similar and headed towards Whickam. I could really feel the cold burning my chest as I started to breathe heavier on the tough ascent up Whickam Bank. It was rush hour and plenty of traffic around so I had to be careful. There was sleet falling and the roads were really wet but I got to the top and headed on toward the Team Valley.
Once I had mde the rapid decent down Lobley Hill I was moving pretty comfortably and headed on toward the big climb towards Wrekenton in Gateshead up through Allerdene.. I had done this route once before a couple of weeks ago and felt it was easier this time around. When I got to the top I had a good mile or so down hill towards Heworth golf course and onto Pelaw the home.
One thing I can take comfort in over the past 2 days is when you've gone up a hill you almost always have to come back down.
23.26miles 1hr 43mins average speed 13.5mph. Felt comfortable on return.
02/02/2011 Birthday today so an early start was called for. 08:00am out for a 26.28 miles ride. Windy and cold!! Average speed of 13.2mph and total time 1hr 58mins. Later on after a birthday treat at the pics from Suzanne. I went for a sauna and a swim,, just a mile though I was a bit done in off the ride.
03/02/2011 Windy out there today and its getting worse. I only managed 13.2 miles in just under an hour. So if it continues like this I'll not be taking the bike to the lakes this week end. Just have to hit the gym and pool where I'm going.
04th, 05th and 06th Been away on a weekend break could'nt take the bike so down the gym it was! A nice change also checked out the A6 stretch from Penrith through Shap. Its gonna be a tough stage but the scenery is fantastic.
07/02/2011 DAY OFF!!
08/02/2011 So after a day off and a weekend in the lakes with out the bike I decided I would push my self a bit. I done a nice 26.05m average speed 13.5mph which took me 1hr 55mins. I managed to tackle Whickam bank and also the bank from Team Valley through Allerdene up to Wrekenton in Gateshead. I must of looked tired because as approached the top of Whickam bank a woman said keep it up your nearly there!! Shap won't be a problem.
09/02/2011 A nice early start today. Left the house at 07:30 and it was pretty damp out. I head along the river route past the Sage and Tyne Bridge. Turned back on myself and headed down the north side of the Tyne after crossing the Blaydon Bridge. Through Newcastle Quayside and along the river route to the Pedestrian Tunnel. 24.86m 1hr 44 mins average speed 14.4mph. Followed this with a quarter mile in the swimming pool and a chill out in the sauna.
10/02/2011 It was a lovely day for cycling and I thought I would take myself off for a bit of a journey. Headed to the hills towards and beyond Rowlands Gill through High Spen, Greenside and Blaydon. Then over the river into Newcastle through the Quayside where I was surrounded by a load of tourists. Of course they moved when I rang my bell. Then down the north side of the river to Pedestrian tunnel and home.. Thank god!! 36.84miles average speed 13.5mph and total time 2hrs 44mins.
11/02/2011 Another damp and dreary day just nipped out for a quick run 23.48miles, average speed 14.6mph, total time 1hr 38mins. Boosted by some good news on the sponsorship side of things I breezed through it.
12/02/2011 Day off! Thought I would take a rest today as the weather was too nice. I mean I might as well wait until its rainy and windy tomorrow. I have to train expecting the worse conditions for the real event.
13/02/2011 This mornings plan was endurance! As expected it was wet and the wind was picking up a bit. The thought was to do my own version of the 3 peaks but on a local scale. So I headed out up to Heworth and along Sunderland road and at the end turned left up Deckham Bank in Gateshead this carries on through Sherrifs Hill and Beacons Lough and then onto Wrekenton.
I then seen Penshaw Monument in the distance so Headed through Springwell and off through Washington making my way down to the river wear at Fatfield. Then the ascent to Penshaw. I took the back roads towards the golf course and then climbed some pretty harsh banks. Once in the top and in the distance I could see my next challenge Downhill in between Boldon and South Hylton, Sunderland.
I made my way through penny well and over the Queen Alexandra Bridge down onto the riverside and along to where I started my ascent once again toward Downhill. (Its only Down hill if you go the opposite way). From there home.
28.02miles, 2hrs 02mins average speed 13.8mph. I felt like there was a lot left in the tank. It may be time to up the anti. Next weekend a ride back from Seahouses hopefully!
14/02/2011 Headed off to the north side of the river tyne today and then towards the coast at Tynemouth. I carried on up the coast line past St. Mary's Lighthouse and over the Northumberland border into Seaton Sluice. The scenery was fantastic and Its got me buzzing for my trip to Seahouses on Thursday. I headed back in land through Earsdon, Shiremoor, Backworth and then through Benton, Forrest Hall and past the Freeman Hospital to Gosforth. After that I headed through the Newcastle City Center over the Tyne Bridge and down onto the river then home. Total distance 30.05m time taken 2hrs 5mins average speed 14.6mph
15/02/2011 Just a short ride today as there was a lot going. 16.51m 1hr 8mins average 14.6mph. Kept it short but made it challanging.
16/02/2011 Had a busy day today so did'nt get out until late. I had the photographer for the local press then I was touting for sponsorship and then I had to speak with the reporter for the local press. I went out about 4 o'clock and 2miles into my ride I got my first puncture while I was out on the road. I had a 3 inch screw stuck in the back tyre stopping me in my tracks!
Any way I had 2 choices walk home pushing my bike or give my dad a ring and ask him to take my wheel to the nearest bike shop. So this is what I did. I gave him a call and he was there in 10 minutes he took the wheel around to the shop and had a new inner tube fitted he bought a spare as well and brought it all back for me total time off the road 40 mins.
Off I went for a good ride 1hr 35 mins average speed 14.8mph 23.76miles. All set for Sea houses tomorrow now.
17/02/2011 Cold day today and we arrived in seahouses just befor 11am. I sorted the car out and my bike and after a couple of PHOTOS I was on my way. I had a/greed to meet up with my support crew for the day (Suzanne and Ali) in Warkworth. I took the coastal route and everything was going well. The country side in Northumberland is fantastic and I was lucky enough to some deer in some woodland I passed. Oh did I say everything was going well? It was until I took a wrong turning! I ended up almost in Craster but once I realised my mistake then I soon sorted myself out. I got to Warkworth where Ali promptly jumped out of the car and started taking photos.
Then after a couple of minutes to top up some water and eat a couple of biscuits I was on the road again. This time I had agreed to meet up in Blyth with the girls. I headed along passed Amble and on the long road toward Ashington. Not a huge amount to see some nice castles and villages along the way though. I went on and through Ashington and then in to Bedlington and then another wrong turning! I was feeling some pain and my back was getting tired, but this is what I expected I was already further than I had ridden this year and still had plenty more to go. I put my head down got myself back on route and through to Blyth where Suzanne and Alison waited for another refreshment top up.
After about 5 minutes I was back on the road and homeward bound!! This had to be the toughest leg of them all. I rode through Blyth and along the coastal route toward Seaton Sluice and then onto Whitley Bay. There was a really long steady incline from Byth all the way to the far side of Seaton Sluice. Probably about 4 to 5 miles of steady climbing. I was now in pain. My back was aching and my legs starting to burn. Thank god for the steady decent into Whitley bay.
This along with an in take of water refreshed me for the final push for home. I travelled along the coast line with Tynemoth Priory in my view and then off towards and through North Shields. This stretch of road seemed to feel good and I was through the Pedestrian Tunnel and into Jarrow in no time at all. The next 2.6 miles did'nt seem too bad although as climbed the bridge over the rail way just around the corner from home there was some kids running up almost as fast as I was pedaling. I managed to push myself a bit more as I approached the final 300 meters or so and then I was home!!! tired and hurting but still with a bit in the tank I completed my journey. 64.55 miles, 4hrs 33mins, average speed 14.1mph.
18/02/2011 Well after yesterdays test I decided to have an early start to see how my body would react after a hard ride the previous day. So I was out by 8 a.m. and to be honest felt pretty fresh considering. I headed towards Gateshead along the Felling by pass and up to the top of Bensham Bank. I then headed off down hill towards the cycle paths on the river back towards the Millenium Bridge. Over the bridge and along the North river route to the Pedestrian tunnel and home. It was quite cold but I felt fine. 17.51 miles 1hr 15mins and average speed14.1mph. I just need to build on this now but this ride has reassured me that getting straight back into the saddle after a hard day previous is'nt going to be too bad! Or is it?
19/02/2011 DAY OFF!! A well deserved day off started at 08:30 with a visit to see some potential help with fundraising and late off to see Tim Binks at RIDE on Scotswood Road, Newcastle to pick up some clothing he kindly donated and show him this weeks newspaper article. Back on the road tomorrow.
20/02/2011 I was out and about at 08:30 and the weather was cold but dry. I hadn't planned a particular route and decided to do last Sundays ride in reverse. I knew from the week previous that there were some tough hills to encounter.
I was feeling good and set off in the direction of Sunderland. There was a slight head wind when heading this way and I could feel the chill, but other than this everything was fine. The roads were quiet and the only people out were joggers and dog walkers. Its amazing how many joggers there are since the great North Run and Race for Life entries came around.
29.1 miles, 2hrs 7 mins and average speed 13.8mph.
21/02/2010 It was a pretty busy day with job interviews and taking some cycle wear to the printers and by the time I was home I really didn't feel like going out on the bike. I looked out and seen the weather, cold and really wet. I made the effort any way and managed to wrap up warm and dry enough to stay comfortable.
After yesterdays ride which contained a few good size hills I decided i would try some thing similar and headed towards Whickam. I could really feel the cold burning my chest as I started to breathe heavier on the tough ascent up Whickam Bank. It was rush hour and plenty of traffic around so I had to be careful. There was sleet falling and the roads were really wet but I got to the top and headed on toward the Team Valley.
Once I had mde the rapid decent down Lobley Hill I was moving pretty comfortably and headed on toward the big climb towards Wrekenton in Gateshead up through Allerdene.. I had done this route once before a couple of weeks ago and felt it was easier this time around. When I got to the top I had a good mile or so down hill towards Heworth golf course and onto Pelaw the home.
One thing I can take comfort in over the past 2 days is when you've gone up a hill you almost always have to come back down.
23.26miles 1hr 43mins average speed 13.5mph. Felt comfortable on return.
22/02/2011 No Map today! I had a bit of a moment and didn't start the recording. Any way it was a better day for riding and it was nice to get out in a bit warmer and drier conditions.
I took the low road to the pedestrian tunnel and on the north side of the Tyne I turned towards North Shields and then through Tynemouth. There was a lot of people about and with the weather being fine and it being half term.
I travelled up the coast passing St. Mary's Lighthouse and then over the border into Northumberland. I took a left turn at Seaton Sluice and headed in land again through some country lanes and toward Newcastle. I was feeling pretty good and pushed a bit harder. I found myself in the city center in no time. The traffic was starting to get heavy and rush hour was in full swing. I headed through the west end of Newcastle and down the sharp descent toward and over the Blaydon Bridge.
The light had faded as I headed towards the millenium bridge and past the sage and on for home.
37.1mile 2hrs 33mins average speed 14.5mph
23/02/2011 Today has got to be my worse day ever on the bike! I left the house at about 09:30 and headed to the coast all was good and I got there averaging 17.1mph. I was flying so you could say however, i didn't expect my pedal to loosen and come off. Now I do take care of the bike and I had noticed the bearings being a little stiff but not as bad as that.
Luckily there was a bike shop about half a mile away so I pushed the bike there and they changed the pedals. I had to wait for Suzanne to drop off my bank card to pay and then I was off again 45mins later.
I headed along the coast again through Whitburn, Seaburn and onto Roker. From Roker I followed the cycle route passed the Stadium of Light and toward the Queen Alexandra Bridge. I had to take a sharp turn down the cycle path and hit a patch of MUD and the back end of the bike just went from underneath me. I ended up lying in the middle of the path facing the sky!! I was ok though no harm done and off I went over Downhill and through Boldon and home. Thank God! when I got home I checked my map recorder and it had run out of charge. 27.56miles 2hrs 6mins average speed 13mph. After my ride I went to relax in the sauna and forgot to take my towel.
Tomorrow hopefully will be a better day.
24/02/2011 DAY OFF! I felt a little niggle in the right calf so decided to rest today. I can't afford to loose any time due to injury. I just filled my time chasing sponsorship and press. Spoke to the rep from CUBE bikes who gave me some contact info for head office.
25/02/2011 Well what can I say what a difference a day makes. I rested yesterday because of a couple of niggles in the right leg and it made all the difference.
I picked my new cycling jersey up from LOGOS UNLIMITED with all the sponsors names on and it looks pretty good. I got home and changed and then off I went. I had it in mind to do more or less the same route as the Wednesday which in all honesty almost had me defeated! So I headed down to the Coast at South Shields and along to Roker through Whitburn and Seaburn this time the bike didn't fall to pieces. From there along toward Southwick avoiding this time the muddy cycle path which last time put me on the floor.
I headed on toward Downhill in Sunderland and felt good all the way , over the hill and down again toward Boldon and then on the otherside of Downhill toward the Nissan car plant and through the country roads to Heworth Golf Course.
I had 2 choices at this stage to go home or to tackle Springwell bank about 2 miles of constant climbing I opted for the bank. I didn't see why not as I was feeling good and when I looked at my milometre it was ready average sped of 16.4mph. I hit the bank and climbed it at a good steady pace. The best thing about climbing this hill is what you come to on the other side another hill going down for about 3 miles. I headed down toward s Deckham and then onto Sunderland Road in Gateshead through Pelaw onto the river route towards Hebburn.
I took a bit time out at QUAY MOT to see Tony McConkey one of my sponsors to show him the jersey and then headed home. Feeling really good.
25.76miles 2hrs 18mins 15.5mph average speed.
I took the low road to the pedestrian tunnel and on the north side of the Tyne I turned towards North Shields and then through Tynemouth. There was a lot of people about and with the weather being fine and it being half term.
I travelled up the coast passing St. Mary's Lighthouse and then over the border into Northumberland. I took a left turn at Seaton Sluice and headed in land again through some country lanes and toward Newcastle. I was feeling pretty good and pushed a bit harder. I found myself in the city center in no time. The traffic was starting to get heavy and rush hour was in full swing. I headed through the west end of Newcastle and down the sharp descent toward and over the Blaydon Bridge.
The light had faded as I headed towards the millenium bridge and past the sage and on for home.
37.1mile 2hrs 33mins average speed 14.5mph
23/02/2011 Today has got to be my worse day ever on the bike! I left the house at about 09:30 and headed to the coast all was good and I got there averaging 17.1mph. I was flying so you could say however, i didn't expect my pedal to loosen and come off. Now I do take care of the bike and I had noticed the bearings being a little stiff but not as bad as that.
Luckily there was a bike shop about half a mile away so I pushed the bike there and they changed the pedals. I had to wait for Suzanne to drop off my bank card to pay and then I was off again 45mins later.
I headed along the coast again through Whitburn, Seaburn and onto Roker. From Roker I followed the cycle route passed the Stadium of Light and toward the Queen Alexandra Bridge. I had to take a sharp turn down the cycle path and hit a patch of MUD and the back end of the bike just went from underneath me. I ended up lying in the middle of the path facing the sky!! I was ok though no harm done and off I went over Downhill and through Boldon and home. Thank God! when I got home I checked my map recorder and it had run out of charge. 27.56miles 2hrs 6mins average speed 13mph. After my ride I went to relax in the sauna and forgot to take my towel.
Tomorrow hopefully will be a better day.
24/02/2011 DAY OFF! I felt a little niggle in the right calf so decided to rest today. I can't afford to loose any time due to injury. I just filled my time chasing sponsorship and press. Spoke to the rep from CUBE bikes who gave me some contact info for head office.
25/02/2011 Well what can I say what a difference a day makes. I rested yesterday because of a couple of niggles in the right leg and it made all the difference.
I picked my new cycling jersey up from LOGOS UNLIMITED with all the sponsors names on and it looks pretty good. I got home and changed and then off I went. I had it in mind to do more or less the same route as the Wednesday which in all honesty almost had me defeated! So I headed down to the Coast at South Shields and along to Roker through Whitburn and Seaburn this time the bike didn't fall to pieces. From there along toward Southwick avoiding this time the muddy cycle path which last time put me on the floor.
I headed on toward Downhill in Sunderland and felt good all the way , over the hill and down again toward Boldon and then on the otherside of Downhill toward the Nissan car plant and through the country roads to Heworth Golf Course.
I had 2 choices at this stage to go home or to tackle Springwell bank about 2 miles of constant climbing I opted for the bank. I didn't see why not as I was feeling good and when I looked at my milometre it was ready average sped of 16.4mph. I hit the bank and climbed it at a good steady pace. The best thing about climbing this hill is what you come to on the other side another hill going down for about 3 miles. I headed down toward s Deckham and then onto Sunderland Road in Gateshead through Pelaw onto the river route towards Hebburn.
I took a bit time out at QUAY MOT to see Tony McConkey one of my sponsors to show him the jersey and then headed home. Feeling really good.
25.76miles 2hrs 18mins 15.5mph average speed.
26/02/2011 Good day for a ride or so I thought! I left the house at around 08:30am and headed toward the rolling hill past Gateshead and through Rowlands Gill towards Consett. I was looking at the surrounding country side as I had left the city and towns well behind me. The sky was starting to show some signs of sun shining through the clouds and my pace was steady. I was feeling good. I took a sharp left and headed up the hill side towards Burnopfield it was quite a climb but it was phasing me and I kept going until I came to the top and turned right toward Stanley. This part of the North East is really nice and the views are fantastic as you are looking over the valleys below. I headed through the village of Tantobie and down a huge drop before the climb into Stanley. Still I felt good.
Once I came out of the town center at Stanley I knew I had a long downhill treck toward Chester Le Street. I took advantage of this by taking in plenty of water. Half way down probably around Beamish I noticed another cyclist coming up the hill on the opposite side of the road he was soaked! Which suprised me as the weather was fine. However, as I came around the long bend in the road the sky darkened and I was heading into what looked like a rain cloud. Yes that is how high this part of the world is. Sure enough I went straight into what can only be described as torrential conditions. This lasted for about 30 minutes almost to the point when I was back into south tyneside. I was soaked through as I hadn't taken any waterproofs with the weather being so fine when I left home. I got back after a passing through Washington, Leam Lane and then down through primrose and Monkton village.
40.31miles, 2hrs 48mins average speed 14.3mph.
Once I came out of the town center at Stanley I knew I had a long downhill treck toward Chester Le Street. I took advantage of this by taking in plenty of water. Half way down probably around Beamish I noticed another cyclist coming up the hill on the opposite side of the road he was soaked! Which suprised me as the weather was fine. However, as I came around the long bend in the road the sky darkened and I was heading into what looked like a rain cloud. Yes that is how high this part of the world is. Sure enough I went straight into what can only be described as torrential conditions. This lasted for about 30 minutes almost to the point when I was back into south tyneside. I was soaked through as I hadn't taken any waterproofs with the weather being so fine when I left home. I got back after a passing through Washington, Leam Lane and then down through primrose and Monkton village.
40.31miles, 2hrs 48mins average speed 14.3mph.
27/02/2011 I bright morning with a slight chill in the air I left home just after 08:00am. I travelled towards Heworth feeling ok after yesterdays hills and wet weather. There was a slight head wind all the way up to Heworth and along Sunderland Road in Gateshead, which kept my pace steady but didn't slow me down too much. At the end of Sunderland road I turned left on to Old Durham Road. The long climb through Deckham, Sherriffs Hill,Beacon Lough and Wrekenton didn't seem to take as long as it had a few weeks earlier. This in itself gave me a good feeling knowing my effort is paying off.
At the peak of the hill I turned left toward Springwell and through into Washington all the way down to the riverside at Fatfield village. I topped up on some fluids before the climb up the big hills at Penshaw. The weather was clouding over some what and I was starting to feel the cold a little. The problem I have is the weather is some times too unpredictable as I have experienced quite a bit out on the road. This is something I must get used to for my 1000 mile trek.
I climbed Penshaw hill again quite comfortably. I was taking it steady and not pushing too hard. Half way up the hill I was passed by three cyclists coming in the opposite direction one them laughed shouting your going the wrong way! I must of looked hot and bothered but kept the legs turning. At the top I turned left towards Sunderland and then headed through Pennywell, Pallion and over the Queen Alxandra Bridge onto the North side of the river Wear. I headed along the river route and then started my climb up to Downhill, which I must say is getting easier every time I challenge it but still is a pretty harsh climb.
Once at the top I headed through Boldon where I experienced a bit of Hailstone and then through Primrose,Monkto and Home.
28.53miles 1hr 58mins average speed 14.4mph.
At the peak of the hill I turned left toward Springwell and through into Washington all the way down to the riverside at Fatfield village. I topped up on some fluids before the climb up the big hills at Penshaw. The weather was clouding over some what and I was starting to feel the cold a little. The problem I have is the weather is some times too unpredictable as I have experienced quite a bit out on the road. This is something I must get used to for my 1000 mile trek.
I climbed Penshaw hill again quite comfortably. I was taking it steady and not pushing too hard. Half way up the hill I was passed by three cyclists coming in the opposite direction one them laughed shouting your going the wrong way! I must of looked hot and bothered but kept the legs turning. At the top I turned left towards Sunderland and then headed through Pennywell, Pallion and over the Queen Alxandra Bridge onto the North side of the river Wear. I headed along the river route and then started my climb up to Downhill, which I must say is getting easier every time I challenge it but still is a pretty harsh climb.
Once at the top I headed through Boldon where I experienced a bit of Hailstone and then through Primrose,Monkto and Home.
28.53miles 1hr 58mins average speed 14.4mph.
28/02/2011 Here we are the last day of the month and it doesn't seem like five minutes since it started. I had in mind how I was progressing and didn't think I would have done so well so soon. I mean I have lost almost 2 stone in weight and my fitness levels are good. I am pleased I have managed to avoid any injury and that sponsors are starting to come in at a steady pace. So all this in mind I thought I would try a route I struggled with only a few weeks ago.
I left the house at about 16:00 and headed towards Jarrow and through the pedestrian tunnel then on the otherside of the river turned left towards Newcastle. The weather was fine hardly any wind and the ground was dry. I noticed the increased number of cyclists out and about and wondered was this because of the time of day and people were finishing work or was it the fine weather. Probably a bit of both.
I headed through Newcastle Quayside and along the river route to Blaydon Bridge taking me along the busy Scotswood road and over to the Gateshead side and towards the Metro Center. From there I went along by the river again and onto the Gateshead side of the Quayside where I started my climb up towards Heworth on the Felling By Pass. Then through Pelaw and Home.
23.76miles 1hr 28mins average speed 16.1mph.
I left the house at about 16:00 and headed towards Jarrow and through the pedestrian tunnel then on the otherside of the river turned left towards Newcastle. The weather was fine hardly any wind and the ground was dry. I noticed the increased number of cyclists out and about and wondered was this because of the time of day and people were finishing work or was it the fine weather. Probably a bit of both.
I headed through Newcastle Quayside and along the river route to Blaydon Bridge taking me along the busy Scotswood road and over to the Gateshead side and towards the Metro Center. From there I went along by the river again and onto the Gateshead side of the Quayside where I started my climb up towards Heworth on the Felling By Pass. Then through Pelaw and Home.
23.76miles 1hr 28mins average speed 16.1mph.