The statistics

Date: 10 June 2006
Start time 05:01
Maximum Heart Rate 168
Average Heart Rate 140
Kilo calories burned: 10771
Distance cycled: 242.2 miles
Average speed: 16.68 MPH
Maximum Speed: 40.6 MPH
Ride time: 14 hours 33 minutes 37 seconds
Stopped time: About 1 hour 7 mins. (amazing how it added up).
Body weight on Saturday morning: 180lbs
Body weight on Sunday morning: 171 lbs

On the right is the end result, so don't try this at home!

What a day!!!

Well I'm back, still in one piece which is more than can be said for Kim, who after being treated by a doctor at the Centre (Scotties wife) was sent off to A&E. He's ok.

I can't begin to describe how yesterday felt from beginning to end, it was wonderful to be met and cheered by so many as I arrived although it was kind of hard to take in as I felt dazed and disorientated not to say a little wobbly!

In the build up over the last few days I was full of doubts; the weather looked as though it was going to be against me which did nothing to reassure me. When I got up on the ride day most of those doubts had gone and I felt ready. Having such good friends around me filled me with comfort, knowing they would do their best to get me through the day. Kim started the heroic ball rolling by taking out a cat that looked as if it may inpede my progress, that is what I call "falling on your sword".

This really upset the whole start, 2 hours unsupported was unbelievably worrying for me. I was eeking out my drink which should have been repleinished 45 mins early and I was just 3 mins from abandoning the ride when they finally caught up with me.

My thoughts in that second lonely hour were very dark, ranging from the "bleep, bleep, bleep bleeps have got lost, put the van in a ditch or rushed Kim to hospital, to worrying about if Kim was alright." Either way I could feel months of training and careful preparation was slipping away from me.

I could clearly see this reflected in my heartrate which was up to over 145bpm average about 5 to 10 beats higher than normal. So they were right - I was not in a good mood, I was very stressed, all of which was ploy, in that long lonely hour I pumped enough adrenelin into my blood stream to last me all day, just thinking of what I was going to do to them when I saw them again.

It was cooler in the south west of Cornwall and Devon but the strong headwind was making the going very tough. Arrived at Exeter having averaged just over 18mph despite it being the toughest part of the route and I still felt strong. Strangely, I didn't notice it getting that hot but I was grateful when the guys in the van cooled me off by shooting me with the super soaker water guns.

Exeter: 1st milestone, a few more miles and the first 100 is done.

When Adam, who despite being ill, joined me at Honiton and helped me up a long hard climb I realised this was going to be very tough. The wind was relentless and I wasn't able to gain the benefit of the downhill stretches having to still peddle hard to keep my average speed up. Felt ok when I was on the flats or slight inclines but on the steeper long climbs I was starting to use lower and lower gears.

Honiton: Half way I only have the same to do again.

After Chard the towns came in quick succession about 7 to 15 miles apart which meant I could mentally break the journey into manageable sections. I wasn't looking forward to the steep long hill up into Shaftesbury but beyond lay a much easier stretch to Salisbury.

Yeovil: A few more miles and I'm inside the last 100

Tom was with me through Salisbury and the first few towns beyond, keeping me company and egging me on. I had a puncture as I was leaving Salisbury which gave me a 10 min rest which was probably well needed as the next 30 miles was mostly uphill.

Somewhere along this section: 294km showing on my speedometer, 100km to go - I can do this!!!!!

As I neared Winchester I knew there was another tough section to come, through Winchester and up to Four Marks. Kim joined me for the second time despite his severe injuries of which I was not fully aware of at the time. I can't imagine what it was like for him sweating and putting in so much energy with so much skin missing from his back and shoulder. I'm not surprised his needed support and his legs so weak when he stopped. Despite what he says he did enough to get to the top of the hill.

One last stop, one last Red Bull, my nutritional and drinking plan had fallen by the wayside a couple of hours earlier as I could not eat anything, despite Scotties best efforts to keep me on track. He spent the whole day mixing drinks, keeping water cold and coaxing me to eat and drink.

Tom joined me for the stretch down to Farnham which we made in good time, increasing my average speed by almost half a mile an hour.

Inside the last 12 miles: this road goes on for ever, surely around the next corner is the roundabout I want to see. Oh no ............. how much further??????

Farnham to Guildford, 12 miles - easy peasy - felt like 120. I couldn't let myself think I was almost there or I wouldn't make it to the end; I had to stay focused. Every part of my mind and body was telling me to stop. The feelings and emotions as I came down the last mile sapped any remaining strength I had so not much left to celebrate with when I arrived or, unfortunately, to take in the wonderful reception.

I'd like to thank everyone who sponsored me and encouraged me over the last few months.
A big thank you to Adam, Kim, Scottie and Tom without each of their support it would not have been possible they all played a huge role yesterday.
I would also like to thank everyone who turned up at the Samson Centre yesterday to welcome me back. I am only sorry I was not able to speak to more of you.
A very specal thanks to Sue for her constant support, encouragement and faith in me.

Batteries out

Glenn will update you soon and tell me off for ranting on.

Thanks for everyone who has given their support.

Happy Birthday
Teresa
Tom say he hopes to see you soon.

Badshot Lea

Glenn is on his own now we must be about 8 miles away.
He's looking very tired but still pedlling strong.
The battle is raging his leggs must want to give up but he keeps pumping. We just passed the Heron pub, he knows he will finish now but he is pushing his time. He stopped at the lights we are pulled up along side he is shaking.

Command Centre

Getting ready to ride with Glenn.

Mobile Centre

Kim updating the blog.

Taken at about 7.35pm

Final stages

I just got back to the van I tried to lead Glenn up the hill from Winchester it was only another ten miles or so but Glenn finally overtook me. He said thanks it was a great help muttering something about 13 hours in the Saddle. When I got of the bike my leggs were like gelly and the boys had to hold me up. That is a sign of the pace Glenn is still pushing.
Tom is keeping him company now.

We are logging out for the next hour

Im going to join Glenn on the bike for a while.

Winchester 3 miles

Update almost 6 pm

Glenn has done almost 200 miles at a fenomenal pace He just had a 2 minute break to take on a drink.
With 40 miles to go it will be about 8.30 now.
He is now going through the pain barrier.

Latest update Replaced wheel Scotty and Adam are repairing punture Glenn has gone through Salisbury and is well on his way Tom has just passed and is begining to lag.
We just can't keep up for any length of time.

Tom keeping Glenn company

Tom and Glenn going well.
News of flat tire got to go

Tom keeping Glenn company

Tom and Glenn going well.
News of flat tire got to go

4.23 pm

Hot off the press aproaching Wilton

Why you should wear a helmet.

The

Pit Stop

Glenn coming in for a rare pit stop, Adam just behind

3.15pm update

We are now in Shaftsbury, land of the 'hovis add' and some of the steepest hills. Glenn looked a bit tired at the top and I was only holding him up, so after 21 miles I'm back on the blog. Glenn is still eating up the miles and we estimate he will be riding in to Guildford at about 8pm. There are another 90 miles to go.
I will try and send some more pictures but it is a bit slow in loading up so be patient. Kim

Still going strong

Coming up to Chard and still looking good.

12.30pm update

Glenn has taken the hills in his stride Adam broke a spoke and is not feeling to good those hills really take it out of you. We are going through Chard to Yeovil. Glenn does not look like slowing down. I'm feeling stiff after the accident with the poor cat but thinking of joining Glenn before I seize up completely. Is there any flat land here?

Adam getting ready to join Glenn ot off the press.

Caught up with Glenn 11.20

We finally caught Glenn he is Replenished and looking good and in very good spirits. Adam is going to join him on the bike so we have pulled ahead. Only a couple of miles from Honiton, really eating up the miles now. On a personal note worried about the very hard hills coming up in Wiltshire. Kim

5 AM Truro Rugby Club

David Hamley kindly came to see us off.

Update 10.54 am

We have just passed Exeter Airport. We were held up in traffic, Glenn seem way ahead and needs more fluids we are trying to catch him.

Update 10.54 am

We have just passed Exeter Airport. We were held up in traffic, Glenn seem way ahead and needs more fluids we are trying to catch him.

The Team

Dr Scotty

Kim being treated after the accident with the cat

On the A30 Heading to Dartmoor

8.24 am progress

Glenn set off at 5.05 am From Truro Rugby Club followed by Kim for support. The support vehicle had to detour to meet Glenn on the A30. Kim was cycling behind Glenn dow a steep hill a cat ran out in front of Kims front bike wheel and having reached a max of 37.6 mph you can imagine the state of kim. (Photos to come shortly). So less than 3 minutes into the ride Glenn stopped to call the support vehicle back to mop up as it were.
Scotty administered firt aid and Glenn set off again. Hold up about 7 minutes.

After loading Kim and his bike back into the van, we set about trying to catch Glenn. We drove all the way to Bodmin along the A30 no sign of Glenn we drove back almost to Truro still no sign. After a phone call we were surprised to find Glenn had already passed Bodmin and was about 10 mile beyond.

Glenn was not in a good mood we replenished his fluids, and we have now settled into a routine. Tom is keeping him company on the bike atpresent.

8.24 am progress

Glenn set off at 5.05 am From Truro Rugby Club followed by Kim for support. The support vehicle had to detour to meet Glenn on the A30. Kim was cycling behind Glenn dow a steep hill a cat ran out in front of Kims front bike wheel and having reached a max of 37.6 mph you can imagine the state of kim. (Photos to come shortly). So less than 3 minutes into the ride Glenn stopped to call the support vehicle back to mop up as it were.
Scotty administered firt aid and Glenn set off again. Hold up about 7 minutes.

After loading Kim and his bike back into the van, we set about trying to catch Glenn. We drove all the way to Bodmin along the A30 no sign of Glenn we drove back almost to Truro still no sign. After a phone call we were surprised to find Glenn had already passed Bodmin and was about 10 mile beyond.

Glenn was not in a good mood we replenished his fluids, and we have now settled into a routine. Tom is keeping him company on the bike atpresent.

The Backup Bandits

A.K.A the Support Team.



Dave: "Mr Duff" to most.
Role: Number One driver of the pursuit vehicle.
Main objective: To protect me from any errant drivers and help keep me flowing through smoothly. (sounds like I'm constipated!)









Kim: A brother in a million!
Role: Number Two driver, part time tinker (bike engineer) and cyclist.
Main Objective: When the going gets tough to get on his bike, pull up alongside and shout at me. (Sorry about the photo).





Tom: One of the "Chuckle Brothers"
Role: Chief tinker and part time cyclist.
Main Objective: To carry out any repairs or punctures as needed. When the going is down hill, to get on his bike, cycle past me and chuckle.







Adam (on the left): Hill climbing specialist.
Role: Part time cyclist, part time tinker, full time speed machine.
Main objective: To pace me through the toughest sections, like Salisbury to Winchester. Sorry Adam, didn't you know!?

Robbie (on the right): Mr Organized.
Role: Guess... that's right, chief nutritionist and team wit.
Main Objective: To track my fluid and nutritional consumption, mix my drinks (a snakebite would be nice if it gets a bit warm), ensure I get enough, but not too much, so that I can finish.

Why such a big team?
Possibly because they all love me and want to spend 15 hours in a van watching my bottom, but more probably because they want to do their bit and have a good day out watching me suffer. (sadists!)

Training is over. Ready or not, here I come.

After last Wednesday's aborted run, I have to admit I was not feeling too confident, I had seen Ben (my coach) on the Tuesday and he was really pleased with my form, so the plan was 150 miles on Wednesday and 180 miles on the Bank holiday Monday. Then taper down, just ticking over until June 10th.
I was in a real dilemma as to what to do, I had two rest days, two training days and then my last ride. Problem was that I was obviously too tired to do a 150 mile cylce ride on Wednesday, if the same happened on bank holiday Monday ........ohhhh dear! On the other hand if I went out on Monday and stormed it, would I have enough time to fully recover by Saturday 10th.
Had a chat with Ben and he cancelled Monday's ride, his view being that it would make no difference, I was either ready or not and his feeling is that I am, and at this stage I am better to be fresh for the day.

My mileage and turbo sessions have been ramping up for three months: starting at 100 road miles a week with a couple of easy turbo sessions, culminating in almost 300 miles, two gym sessions and a couple of hard 1.5 hour turbo sessions all in the space of seven days.
Although I don't feel it until I try to push myself, I am mentally and physically tired. In theory, over the next ten days as I rest and train lightly, I should peak - hopefully on June 10th!

Karpetalepsky Estate Agents have funded some cycling shirts (see picture left) and the support van. The shirts were printed by Wealden Workwear in East Grinstead, Clem not only did a fantastic job printing the shirts but also generously donated some sponsorship - many thanks Clem.

Jason of DeVer Cycles did a great service on my bike last week, it needed new brakes, cables and tyres and apparently the gearing set up was shot to bits (!) but now is smooth and slick.

DeVerCycles will be providing me with spare wheels for the day just in case of a disaster. I'd like to thank Maurice Burton for his support and advice over the last few months.

Watch this space as I will be introducing the "Backup Bandits" shortly! Heeheeheehee.

Truro to Guildford: The Cycle Route.

(Click on any of these maps to view them in full page, click the back button on your browser to go back to the blog).

Stage 1: Truro and across Bodmin Moor.

This is going to be a tough section although I will be fresh and hopefully raring to go, it is all unknown territory.I can remember driving down the A30 through Cornwall years ago, there are some steep long climbs. An early start will also be a benefit as there should be less traffic and not too warm, although on current form it could be snowing.


39 Miles down, 201 Miles to go!









Stage 2: Launceston to Exeter.

Again this will be new territory for me on the bike, but at least I will know that once I have passed Exeter I will be on familiar ground. I hope to get through Exeter around the five hour mark, although I will have to really pace myself for the first 100 miles.I think there is a long slow climb up to the Exeter turn, then it's a straight cut across town and out the other side.


88 Miles down, 152 Miles to go.




Stage 3: Exeter to Yeovil.


Now I will be getting in to more familiar territory, having done the route from Honiton to Guildford, on a training ride, I will be far more prepared for what the road has to throw at me in terms of hills and surface. Its amazing how a bad road surface leaves a marked impression not just on your backside.
There is a nasty hill going through Chard, the downhill has hairpins in it, so I won't be able to get the full benefit of going down it, and the uphill is very long and steep, I seem to remember having a fly breakfast on this section on my training ride through here.

137 Miles down, just 103 Miles to go.




Stage 4: Yeovil to Salisbury.

This is a good section, my favorite, it's fast and the road is good, generally downhill or flat with a few short steep climbs. Here is where I can expect to make up time and up my average speed.
Robbo (Andy Robbins,) former Old Actonians rugby player/coach will be joining me somewhere en-route through here. No doubt he will be running along side carrying some scaffold poles and bellowing at me to keep up.

179 Miles down, only 61 Miles to go!!!




Stage 5: The Final section Winchester to Guildford.

You may have noticed I have not mentioned getting from Salisbury to Winchester, there is a reason for this, I will be catching a train! No only kidding, Salisbury will be approximately the 170 mile mark.

My longest training has been 157 miles. The run from Salisbury to Winchester is uphill and then another 10 mile climb beyond. There is great significance in this, as I enter unknown territory of over 160 miles, well over the ten hour mark I also start a long hard climb, so I will ignore it. This section is Winchester to Guildford and that is all I have to say about that!!!
I will be going around Winchester and staying on slightly higher ground to reduce the climb up to Four Marks on the A31, then the last 25 miles or so is flat or downhill. So if I can get to Winchester I have a good chance of finishing.

240 Miles down, where's the Bar!!!!!

Over trained or scared of a bit of rain????

Set off at 05:30 this morning planning to do the same route as last Friday, 157 miles.
I was not on the road for long before I got caught in the first heavy downpour of rain, not the warmest of mornings either.
As I turned for home after 30 miles, I could see the weather was worse up ahead and soon I was soaked again, rivers running down the side of the road, and spray kicking up from passing cars and lorries.
I started to talk myself out of the ride, it was not safe (true), visibility was poor and mine was worse as my glasses were wet and steaming up (but necessary to protect my eyes).
Could have been psychological, but my heart rate average was also very low, about 7 bpm down on normal. I have been told that this can be a sign of over training and being tired.
I can't say I was happy to get home, I don't like giving up, but live to fight another day and all that. My last training ride is on Bank holiday Monday, possibly 180 miles. Lets hope the weather improves!

I'm told that log entries without photos are dull, so here is a photo of Zinzan Brooke grabbing some limelight with John who looks happy to oblige.

What a difference a week can make.

Friday 19th May: Ooops slept in, more like I've been hibernating, looks like a mid-autumn morning out there, very wet and windy. Waited until it had dried up a bit and finally set out at 09:00. The plan: to do three lap of the route on the left, about 52 miles each. This meant that I could return home every time to replenish my drinks and Maxim gels and bars.
The first lap was great, other than a bit of road rage from a van driver who felt the need to pull over and wait for me so he could shout abuse, not quite sure why.
Arrived back just before midday and within five minutes was off again, it was getting harder, the wind really does make it like pedalling with the brakes on.
Took this photo for the spectacular colours, (and the excuse for a two minute rest).
It did not come out, but in the background was a St. Georges Cross flag flying straight out in the wind.
This lap was uneventful, arrived back home and left again before three o'clock.
As you can imagine I was getting tired into the third lap, so when a woman escorting four young children stepped out in front of me I was not best pleased. I skidded and narrowly missed them, just squeezing through the middle of them. I shouted at them and a passer by wanted me to stop so he could have words with me, fortunately for one of us I was in a hurry.
The total distance I covered was 157 miles in 8 hours 55 minutes in the saddle, about 15 minutes stopped. My last lap was 15 minutes slower than my first, could I have done another 83 miles?not sure, I think I could have done another lap but it would have been slower still.
All in all I was quite pleased, conditions were rough, and this is a tough circuit, my under 15 hour target for Truro to Guildford seems achievable.
This is the windmill at Outwood, I had to use a very high shutter speed so it would not be blurred because it was spinning so fast. Another excuse for a two minute rest. Next road training 24th May - 150 miles (again)