Wednesday, 10 February 2010

Trial ride with a bit of off-road

Despite the fact it was snowing I wanted to try a bit of off-road cycling today.  Possibly a bad idea as it was a bit muddy and slippery, so I wasn’t able to do as many Km as I wanted.  Still, I was also able to check my “Sportstracker” application for my Nokia 5800.

If you have Google Earth installed on your PC – the following link (which is a .kml file which you will need to “download” or” Open”) will show you my route.  Hopefully when the weather improves a bit I can do some longer runs.

http://sites.google.com/site/joewillisinfo/JW10Feb2010.kml?attredirects=0&d=1 

(Note: Google Earth is required for this link to work – you can install it at http://earth.google.co.uk/)

Tuesday, 9 February 2010

First Cycle ride of 2010

As it’s not actually snowing today, I took my new bike out for a quick spin in a local park.  Idea was to get used to the gears, how it steers and the clipless pedals with my (new) Shimano cycling shoes.  So ended up doing a 10km run reaching a max speed on the flat  of 30km/h for a few seconds.  (Apologies to those people who work in miles, but I work in kilometres).  Pleased to find I didn’t fall off and that my legs didn’t hurt afterwards.  Bike is a pleasure to ride, responsive without feeling like it’s going to throw me off at every bump.

I’ll need a bit more practice with the clipless pedals if I’m to avoid falling over when I stop and looking like a real prat – especially in traffic or when I have to stop suddenly because of a bus, dog,  car driver who doesn't look etc.

So very pleased with equipment – now just need to get some real training in, 14th May is not that far away.

Monday, 8 February 2010

New Bicycle

Picked up my new bike today from Bromley Bike Co.  It’s a Specialized Tricross and is fitted with Vaude Discover Pro front and rear panniers and a Handlebar box.  I’ve also got Cats Eye lights (front and back) and a Cycle Computer.

Unfortunately its snowing today – so not really able to give it a go.  Roll on the better weather.

Bromley Bike Co were very helpful and gave me excellent advice in choosing and putting together all the kit.  It certainly feels like I’ve got the right equipment to get me across France in May.

http://www.bromleybike.co.uk/

 

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