Category Archives: Cycling

Ride like a Pro

It sounds counter-intuitive, but having a Heart Attack has given me confidence.

My “episode” was the culmination of about 20 years of un-healthiness; relatively little physical activity, an overly relaxed diet, too many cigarettes and too much alcohol. I have never generally lacked confidence, but having become a lapsed athlete it has been more focused on the office than the sports field.

The warning signs were there…

Having been physically “broken”, I’ve had to re-build my strength and fitness almost from scratch. At the same time, I’ve had to re-build my confidence to do every day things that I used to take in my stride. After being at such a low level, the only way was up, and increased awareness has meant every step forward has been a conscious one.

Along the way I’ve given myself many challenges. Some of the challenges may appear more significant than others, but they’ve all been important.

Whether it was getting on a bike for the first time or heading out for a solo ride, cycling back up to my house or cycling from London to Brussels (via Amsterdam), they’ve all mattered. They have each required a level of confidence to take them on (often combined with a healthy dose of nervousness), and each has been rewarded with a major sense of satisfaction and a confidence boost.

Tomorrow I’m heading out with a group to “Ride like a Pro”, a promotional event organised by Jaguar. On the ride we’ll be accompanied (“supported”) by a “Jaguar XF Sportbrake in full Team Sky livery”. It’s another step into the unknown, but I’m excited about it. At 50 miles it’s within my range, but whenever you go out with a new group it introduces a number of unknowns.

In my mind, we’ll be in a large peloton, eating up the roads as we roar through the Aberdeenshire countryside…

I really hope that I don’t lose contact with the group so badly that they call the support car through; having set out to “ride like a pro” I may well end up being “just a guy taking a ride”. Either way, it should be fun… and it’ll definitely be another step in the right direction!

Not all rides are made the same

2 Replies

Although the route may be the same, not all rides are made equal:

There are many variables that determine how a ride turns out. The weather is always a major factor and heavily influences many others, but is by no means the only one. My physical condition and state of mind play significant roles, as does “the rest of the day” (what has gone before and what is to follow).

Thursday’s ride was a good one. The sun was out, but the wind had a chill. It was warm enough for shorts, but cold enough for arm-warmers. My ride took me off the beaten track and into the countryside proper. Having spent a day sitting behind a desk in a small office, it was great to be outside in the fresh air.

Mother Nature did her bit too; the fields are full of skittish lambs and inquisitive calves. The birds were out in force at all altitudes. Small birds danced through the hedgerow as a lapwing called out overhead. A pair of pheasants proudly strutted their stuff down the centre of the road until they realised they were being watched, at which point they disappeared in a flap.

This field of cows were particularly inquisitive. Have they not seen a man in Lycra before!?

I turned a corner and found myself face to face with a small deer, quietly minding its own business in the centre of the road. We exchanged pleasantries before it ducked back into a copse of trees.

It was all going on, and provided a perfect backdrop for my ride.

***

Rides are not made equal, and the same goes for roads:

As a driver, I pay little attention to the roads I travel along. Unless there is a significant issue, a deep pothole, or loose surface, it’s really of little relevance to me. As a cyclist however the roads are much more of a factor. This is understandable given I can quite literally feel the road through the seat of my pants, and because the speed of movement (or lack thereof) there is plenty time to reflect on it.

When asked about most roads, I’m sure the first thing that comes to mind for most cyclists is the condition of its surface. Cycling on a smooth piece of tarmac is bliss; resistance is eliminated as every stroke of the pedal is fully rewarded. Unfortunately this is a rare exception. The roads I frequent tend to offer up more than their fair share of hazards; potholes and bumps, uneven surfaces and sunken grates. Look around at your peril!

Occasionally, an optical illusion makes a climb deceptively easy, providing the sense that I’ve suddenly developed super-strength and stamina. There are a couple of routes that I regularly follow that have such hills; they never fail to delight, providing moments to savour.

Of course the general surroundings, the scenery and wildlife, make a big difference too. There are some stretches that just feel good. If I’m honest, a sense of achievement also helps with the “feel good factor”, whether it’s a building sense of momentum on a gradual descent or cresting a challenging climb, the surroundings can never be considered in isolation.

There are variable factors too. As my mind drifts, a thought might enter my head and occupy me for a few miles. If that’s the case, even the longest, most soul destroying stretch of road can pass in an instant. As my mind wanders, the miles roll by and time evaporates. It takes time to cycle long distances, but it often doesn’t feel like it.

It sounds a bit sad, but as I’ve wound around the Aberdeenshire countryside I’ve discovered one road anomaly that gives me particular pleasure:

From time to time, a road will disappear into the distance and (at the same time) re-appear in the distance, seemingly unconnected to the stretch of road I’m on. It’s only some time later that the route becomes joined up, “whole”. Usually I only catch a fleeting glimpse as I roll along. Blink and I miss it.

A prime example of the “orphaned road” anomaly.

Over the weeks I’ve developed some rules around this:

The ride has to cover both sections of road. If you don’t cycle along it, it doesn’t count.
You have to be able to see the road surface. Simply seeing a vehicle on a road in the distance isn’t enough.
It has to be the same road. There can’t be any junctions between the sections.
The further away the “orphaned” section of road is the better.

Seeing these orphaned sections of road reminds me how lucky I am. I can’t imagine they exist in urban settings as buildings would get in the way. The anomaly generally requires changes in elevation and a winding road, both of which make riding more interesting anyway. I’m fortunate to have such beautiful and interesting surroundings to cycle in!

I’m sure there are places in the world where the phenomenon occurs more regularly, but to my mind the infrequency makes it even more “special”.

***

As I said, Thursday’s was a good ride! Hopefully there’ll be many more as the summer unfolds!

A disappointing outing

7 Replies

Saturday’s ride was intended to be a strong. solo challenge. The plan was to combine a couple of stiff hills into a new route of just over 70 miles. I was familiar with the individual legs of the route so I was comfortable with what I was taking on. In fact, I was more than comfortable, I was looking forward to it.

The intended route… a solid solo outing

As it turned out, it was a less pleasant experience than I had hoped. I guess the writing was on the wall when I hobbled out of bed to get ready for the ride…

My pain had begun on Wednesday when I went to the gym rather than cycling to “break in up a bit”. I’m keen to get back to some balanced exercise rather than only ever going out on the bike, so I did some aero exercise on a Cross Trainer and some light weights.

I never feel like I’m working particularly effectively when I’m at the gym. I either feel like I’m pushing myself too hard and unable to maintain the effort for very long (which is really not very good for me!), or I feel like I’m too comfortable and not really getting a huge amount of benefit from it.

Wednesday felt like the latter. I worked up a sweat, but that was about it. On Thursday morning, however, my calves let me know that I’d done something different. It wasn’t anything serious, they only hurt when I tried to stand or walk.

Having been able to continue about my everyday business, including an hour on the Turbo Trainer on Thursday, I assumed that my legs would loosen up once I was out on the bike. Unfortunately that wasn’t the case.

Despite easing myself into the ride and stretching at every opportunity my legs wouldn’t cooperate. They were tight and painful. As I approached the bottom of the biggest climb of the day I had to make a decision; My outings generally have a number of “opt out” options, points at which I can choose whether to turn for home or continue on my way. [Generally these serve as a psychological boost as I head on feeling good about myself.] The climb would have taken me out into the countryside and also committed me to a second stiff climb. So the decision was: Should I ignore my legs and plough on, or not?

I decided “not”. I like to think this was a grown up decision rather than me just wimping out, but I didn’t feel very good about it.

As I limped home I started to feel the cold too. It shouldn’t be like this in Mid-May… it’s time for the sun to shine and to be enjoying rolling through the countryside bare legged and in short sleeves. As it was, omitting to wear overshoes proved to be an error. Both my feet started to turn into blocks of ice.

As the misery set in, my first “large-bug-in-the-mouth-at-speed” incident capped off a disappointing outing.

At least I made it home in one piece. Time to put my feet up for a couple of days methinks!

The perfect end to a perfect ride!

The same, but different

2 Replies

This week has seen a relatively gentle re-introduction to training. Having spent four days cycling into the unknown, I’ve returned to the old familiar routes. For one reason or another however I’ve approached some of the routes from the opposite direction for the first time. Having felt like I’d exhausted my options for relatively short rides close to home, the experience has opened my eyes to a whole new range of possibilities.

What I found most surprising was how different the hills feel when approaching them from the opposite direction. I know this sounds obvious, of course they’re different; the “Ups” are “Downs” and the “Downs” are “Ups”. However, even taking that into consideration, the hills were quite different to what I was expecting; a long, fast descent doesn’t necessarily mean a difficult climb from the other direction, insignificant descents can become sharp, punishing ascents and long straight slogs can turn into an easy roll. Perspective and context are everything.

It’s all a matter of perspective!

The scenery looks totally different too, It’s like I’m cycling along roads for the first time, they are far from familiar. I know people say that in order to get to know an area you should get out of your car and cycle or walk around it, but I would suggest that you do this from both directions to make sure you don’t miss anything.

I’m sure there are lots of lessons that could be applied to other areas of my life from this experience:

If you think you’ve exhausted all your options, look at them again from a different perspective
Things don’t have to be difficult, it depends how you approach them
If you want to try something new, try something old, differently
etc.

Perspective and positive thinking!

This new perspective has provided a nice distraction as I settle back into the next phase of my rehabilitation. The next month promises to be one of consolidation as I prepare for the next of my three Summer events, a gentle 54 mile roll to the South Coast as part of the British Heart Foundation’s London to Brighton Bike Ride. Keep on pedalling!

Back to normal

4 Replies

After the excitement of last week, the past few days have been all about settling back into everyday life. Any concerns about coming back to earth with a bump have alleviated. Instead, the whole event has left me somehow feeling a bit more “normal”. It’s really good to be home!

The Euro City Cycle (ECC) had become a very big deal for me. Understandable I guess given I’ve been working towards it throughout the winter. I signed up for it early in my rehabilitation, it was a real “stretch goal”.

At that time, no one really knew what I would be physically capable of, now or ever, so it was a bit of a risk. Not being able to complete it (or more likely, start it) would have been a real blow, and could potentially have caused a major re-think of life post Heart Attack.

My favourite selfie from the ECC

From my perspective, the level of risk has reduced with every mile I’ve cycled over the past 10 months. I’ve been confident over the past couple of months, but it was great to back up that confidence with a strong ride, and a quick recovery. I was fine throughout the event and have had no ill effects subsequently.

Having arrived in Brussels I had a couple of days rest. Time for my legs to recover, to warm up and dry off after the final days of the ECC. A sniffle flirted with me for a couple of days, but I managed to fight it off.

Someone else’s selfie caught me taking mine!

Getting back on the bike was interesting. It’s amazing how much more comfortable I am on it having been inseparable for four days. Just spending time together has made a big difference, it feels natural again, like it did when I was a kid. The key thing now is not to get complacent, particularly as I’m back on the roads rather than having the luxury of dedicated cycle routes.

The cycling routes on the continent were something else!

The biggest relief, perhaps, is that I’ve got the London to Brighton bike ride to look forward to in mid-June. This will give me a continued focus, a reason to keep going out on the bike and keep myself in shape.

The ECC was a journey within a journey. Fortunately it was a successful one. It marks the end of an important phase of my life, and the beginning of a new one. No time to stand still!

Time for a service

3 Replies

With under two weeks to go until I start the Euro City Cycle, it seemed like a sensible time to get a pre-ride check-up for myself and the bike.

I was due a check in with my GP anyway. It’s been almost 3 months since my last visit. In fact, I hadn’t seen him since I went to the Cardiologist, so it was an opportunity to get some more feedback on that. One of the potential side effects of my medication is diabetes so we had fasting blood test results to look at too.

You may feel a little prick!

It’s funny but, after everything I’ve been through, one of the things I look forward to least is giving blood. I know it doesn’t really hurt, but I don’t enjoy the anticipation of the “prick”. What a wimp! The only good news is that my veins are a bit more prominent now so the whole process is a bit less traumatic than it used to be.

My check up was unremarkable. My Blood Pressure was “perfect”. My Cholesterol levels are under control (Total = 3.2 mmol/L, LDL = 1.8 mmol/L, HDL = 1.1 mmol/L) and there are no indications of diabetes. In summary, it’s all good!

The Doc was, however, keen to remind me that I have recently experienced a cardiac episode, and I should bear this in mind when doing my various activities and challenges. I recognise he had to say it, but I don’t think I hid my excitement about the fast approaching trip very well! I guess he has to trust (or hope) his patients follow his instructions otherwise he’s fighting a losing battle. He has little to worry about as far as I’m concerned!

***

I really haven’t done very much work on my bike since I got it. Apart from a couple of puncture repairs and fitting a new saddle, I have used it, but done little to maintain it. I know I should really learn, but I also recognise my limitations. At this stage I think I would struggle in terms of knowledge, skills and perseverance. The last thing I want to do is intentionally “break” the bike and not be able to ride it.

This is about the extent of my bicycle maintenance skills!

The main objectives of the service are to tune the gears and check the brakes. The gears have become increasingly temperamental and noisy over the past couple of weeks. It’s been helpful in telling me which gear I’m in (some are particularly noisy), but I have the distinct feeling that its an indication that all is not well!

So, the bike is booked in for a service tomorrow. Hopefully it’ll come back feeling like a new machine, with the gears purring and the brakes secure.

If only it was as easy to tune ourselves up!

Ne’er cast a clout

4 Replies

“Ne’er cast a clout till May be out” (Traditional saying)

I’ve been struggling to think of a pursuit that requires more items of clothing than cycling outside in the North East of Scotland during the Winter.

Over the past couple of months, preparing for a ride has been a bit of a rigmarole. A typical outing has required: cycling helmet, warm hat, snood, base layer top, short sleeved cycling jersey, long sleeved cycling jersey, wind-proof vest, jacket, underwear, cycling shorts, full length tights, winter socks, cycling shoes, shoe covers and thick winter gloves.

Yes, it was possible to get a little warm, to overheat. There was certainly a tendency to get damp from the inside during a long ride. but I would rarely describe myself as “hot”. The elements and the nagging cold were powerful enough to fight their way through. Fingers and toes would suffer most, a combination of restricted circulation and the persistent chill.

View from the top of the climb on Saturday’s ride

This week, has seen a bit of a change. An increase in temperature has seen the acceleration of Spring, new leaves are emerging, there are flowers everywhere and cyclists have emerged in abundance.

Today in particular has got everyone excited. Easter has been accompanied by a beautiful day. There isn’t a cloud to be seen.

The nice weather has resulted in people throwing caution to the wind… people have been casting clouts left, right and centre! I have to admit, I am also guilty. For today’s ride I discarded no less than 5 items of clothing.

Benachie across Loch Skene this morning

The ride itself was lovely. The sun was out, the birds were singing, lambs frolicking. I think this is what cycling was invented for. The lack of protection also made me feel somehow more connected to my surroundings, more free.

I appreciate the advice, but I say forget May, live a little, cast a clout!

Be warned! There is still snow in them there hills!

Davina got me up this morning…

4 Replies

Having lacked energy and enthusiasm, yesterday turned into little more than a “duvet day”. A mid-afternoon snooze set me up nicely for the evening’s golf.

Given there’s a little over three weeks until the start of the Euro City Cycle, I felt a bit guilty about not getting out on the bike. The guilt was exacerbated somewhat by stories of epic training rides and sportives in the sunny south from other Euro City Cycle participants. However, it was a good decision to take it easy, to save it for another day.

***

It seems as though Sports Relief has been a real inspiration this year. As well as raising huge amounts of cash for good causes, the feature challenges have set the bar high for those of us looking to do something remarkable ourselves. In particular, the courage and stamina that Davina McCall showed on her “Beyond Breaking Point” challenge (incidentally, when did they come up with that name?) is a real motivator as we each look to “channel our inner Davina”.

I know the feeling… but for me it usually only lasts a few hours!
Photo Credit: Alex Walker / Comic Relief / PA Wire

This morning was very similar to yesterday (bright and blustery), however, Davina’s inspiration was enough to get me out of bed and out on the bike. Cycling is much easier in a group, not least because peer pressure gets you to the start line. Today I was cycling solo.

Fortunately, the hardest thing was leaving home. Any doubts were left behind.

I’ve slowly ramped up the miles over the past few weekends. Today I took on my longest solo ride, at around 62 miles. I also took on the climbs that I last attempted during my “Introduction to climbing“. Having walked on two of them last time, I was keen to stay in the saddle this time.

The view from the top of the Suie this afternoon, the “high point” of my ride.

It was tough going, not helped by strong gusts of wind, but I managed to rattle off the hills without any particular dramas. Four and a half hours after heading out I crept up my final climb and home. The “laziness” of yesterday behind me, satisfied, and back on track for the challenge.

***

So, a big thanks to Davina! I’m sure she had a huge sense of satisfaction when she finished her challenge and counted the money, but she should also be proud of her legacy; whether people are raising money for charity, or simply looking to get themselves in shape, she has shown us the way. No excuses!

Epic journeys

2 Replies

There are just 31 days until I start the Euro City Cycle (London to Amsterdam to Brussels, 300 miles over 4 days) and I’m entering the final stages of my preparation.

When I originally signed up for the event it really was a stretch target. No-one was in a position to tell me I would be able to do it. I was still in Cardiac Rehab. The medical professionals weren’t going to encourage me to push myself too hard, and the rest of us had no idea what I’d be capable of. I really was heading into the unknown. To be honest, it would have been considered a challenge even without the Heart Attack given my lack of physical activity.

Committing to the event was scary too. It set a hard deadline. If I hadn’t been able to do it due to medical concerns it would have said something about the impact my Heart Attack was going to have on the rest of my life. It would have been much easier for me to “wait and see”, to only to commit to something I knew I could do, but that’s not really me, and certainly not how I want to live.

***

Yesterday’s cycle served as a reminder of how far I’ve come…

Having got a solid winter’s training under my belt, primarily inside on the Turbo Trainer, I’ve been slowly building the distance outside. Yesterday saw a big jump to 80 miles! If the truth been told, it was probably too big a jump (from just under 60 miles). We weren’t really monitoring the miles, we just followed a route. It was a tough ride, but good to complete!

A few weeks ago I took on “proper” hills for the first time. My initial hilly cycle resulted in me walking for part of two of the three main inclines. I hadn’t considered that I would need to develop a strategy for hills, to learn how to cycle up them, but that’s exactly what was required. Now I’ve got to the point where I enjoy a good climb. Each one represents an honest, visible and tangible challenge, laid out right in front of me.

Over time I’ve also become less obsessed by my Heart Rate. I constantly monitor it, but I’m more relaxed. The last time I visited the Cardiologist he was comfortable with me cycling and was happy that the medication would prevent me from pushing myself too hard. It’s therefore become less of a concern for me, less of a constraint.

The drugs are working. My short term recovery is amazing. It’s a combination of the medication and my improving fitness but, after having pushed myself hard, my Heart Rate can drop off by 30 beats per minute in a couple of minutes. I feel it too. I enjoy regular breaks to eat / drink, but I don’t need long before I’m good to go again.

***

Having completed yesterday’s epic cycle I’m going to take a few days away from the Road Bike. Instead, I’ll have some fun on the Mountain Bike, a machine that has been horribly neglected over the past few months.

There are just four more Saturday outings before I head south for the Euro City Cycle itself. It’s just a milestone on my rehabilitation journey, but it’s an important one. My key goals at this point are to stay fit and healthy. Fingers crossed!