Ben’s Cycle Fest training diary pt 2

I’m hoping to gain a couple of mph once I can go for a ride without 3 tonnes of winter clothes on. I’ve only done one ride this year in shorts. Of course when / if the shorts finally do come out, there’s the perennial question of ‘to shave or not shave?’

This is what I’ve been up recently:

Sun 2nd May – 2 x 2 hour rides. 2 hours to a children’s party, 2 hours back. Sore down below. After struggling over hills earlier in the week, I decided the best course of action was to avoid them. Got lost in Keighley.

Tue 4th May – 2 hours. Hilly. I used to like going up hills. Ironic moment of the week: Went over a ‘SLOW’ sign, I was doing 4mph.

Thu 6th May – 1.5 hours. Only one hill, still struggled up it. Confidence is not high.

Sat 8th May – 1.5 hours. While Bradley Wiggins was winning stage 1 of the Tour of Italy, I was struggling to get as far as Skipton.

Sun 9th May – No idea how long. Ride on the Leeds and Liverpool canal towpath towing my 4 year old on his ‘trail-a-bike.’ ‘Look Daddy no hands!’ ‘That’s OK Felix, but not in traffic!’ It was good for practicing my balance if nothing else.

Tue 11th May – 1.5 hours on the coldest May night for 15 years. Got soaked, could barely hold the handlebars for shaking. This is meant to be fun.

Planning a long ride for this weekend to try and make up for the lack of miles this week. I’m moderately concerned about getting around the course now.

Ben Boardwell, cottages4you

Please click here to read part 1.

Click here to learn more about Pendle Cycle Fest.