Training
Going Climbing?
I’m laying off the training for a few days….to go climbing! I’ve been so focussed on the cycling recently that I’ve not put a rope on for months and months. In fact the only climbing I’ve done is some regular sessions on Henry Price!
I’ve offered my services as a belay bunny, and I’ve been promised a tour of as many of the 2 and 3* HVS/E1 at Stanage as possible.
My psyche might be back!
Hauling Ass…
I’ve been thinking a lot about how best to prepare for the 72L of load I’ll be carrying on-board the already quite weighty Gina.
I think it could be quite a shock getting on the road with all the necessary gear after spending all summer training on my expensive super-light racer! Despite there being months and months between now and when I plan to leave, I might have to start to factor in the extra weight and subsequently the extra power I will need to transport all my kit and myself around the Continent.
The other thing that may affect my competence on Gina will be the geometry and feel of the bike. I’ve already almost come a cropper on my racer when jabbing on the brakes at a stop-light, where I attempted to headbutt the rear window of the car in front! Another slightly less obvious consequence of the differences between the bikes is the saddle sores I’ve developed this week due to perching on my ultra-thin racing saddle after a few days getting used to the very comfortable Sella Italia I was given with the new bike.
I think the best way to go now is to concentrate on my usual training for the next few months in order to get my right (screwed) leg back into shape. Then I will try and begin some more power/endurance work, and finally to begin riding exclusively with Gina as D-day gets nearer.
I’m sure a few weekenders/overnighters with full panniers will help too, but these will be primarily used to help iron out any creases in my packing and kit list.
Watch this space….