yellow jacket

What to Wear on the Bike

By on January 30, 2012 in commuting, cycling

There is a saying that you are what you are wear. A cyclist faces quite a few choices. You can try all kinds of different looks. The strict Italian roadie classic look. Immaculate looking lycra with matching sunglasses. Socks at right height (Armstrong’s knee high white socks are definitely out – even if aerodynamic benefits. […]

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richmond park

Some Cold Miles in the Legs

By on January 29, 2012 in cycling

Another good week just managing to keep the cold at bay. Two hard rides to add to the endurance. Looking forward to first race on Feb 12th. Sun 22nd – 35 miles @ 15.5 mph – 2.15.00 – A recovery ride after previous days 85 miles. Slow and cold. Not the best combination. But, a […]

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snow

Cycling Accessories for Winter

By on January 27, 2012 in winter

    Hot Pads These are an excellent accessory. For me they are a necessity to get through winter. I buy a pack of 40 in October. When temperature is cold, I open a pack and put the hot pad in between 2 layers of socks. The heat generated keeps feet nice and warm! If […]

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vo2max

VO2 Max Intervals

By on January 26, 2012 in training

VO2 Max is the term given to your maximum aerobic capacity. VO2 Max is effectively the amount of oxygen that you can take in and use. It is your maximal aerobic capacity. It is expressed as litres (ml) of oxygen / weight Kg / per min. Some of the top athletes have recorded figures as high […]

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Split Tyre

10 Tips for Avoiding Punctures

By on January 23, 2012 in bikes, equipment

This Continental 4000- split and punctured on a ride- I had to put new inner tube and ride home like this! If I had been clever, I would have founded strong leaf to improvise some protection between tyre and inner tube. But, I only thought of that after I luckily got home. If I listed […]

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Racing vs Commuting

By on January 23, 2012 in commuting

One commuter takes a sit up and beg approach, the other goes for an aerodynamic tuck (or is she looking at why her brakes aren’t working) I tend to wear two cycling hats, my racing helmet and a wooly hat for commuting. In most sports, there is no complement to the sporting aspect. The only […]

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Getting the Miles in

By on January 22, 2012 in tejvan, training

January has been a good month so far. Plenty of steady miles, plus some threshold work to start working on a bit of speed. Recent training Sat 14th – 70 miles – 4 hours – 17.5mph –  Long ride to Lambourn and White horse. Sun 15th – 27 miles – 1.50.00 – av 15.0 mph […]

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threshold

Threshold Training

By on January 21, 2012 in training

Threshold training involves riding at an intensity which can be maintained for an hour without creating excess burning  in your legs (lactic acid creation). Your threshold is the level which makes full use of your aerobic capacity (oxygen) but doesn’t tip over into anaerobic exercise (which creates lactic acid). Threshold training essentially involves a level which […]

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In the Moment

By on January 20, 2012 in cycling

Recently, I gave a talk at Run and Become on the topic of ‘pushing the limits’ I was with two other athletes. Abichal Watkins 5 times completed the 3,100 mile race. Tarit Stott former GB ultra distance runner and former 24 hour national champion. (I previously blogged about this at: Pushing the Limits) So it was […]

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castelli-nano-flex

Castelli Nanoflex Legwarmers Review

By on January 19, 2012 in clothes, products

Over Christmas I bought these Castelli Nanoflex Legwarmers. For the past few weeks of cold weather, I’ve been testing and am quite pleased with the product. Warmth The material is warm and I used over a great tolerance of temperatures down to 4 – 5 degrees. Below that, and you would want something warmer, but […]

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cycling

C is for Cycling

By on January 18, 2012 in cycling photos

M is for Magna Carta – and the cyclists’ manifesto W is Waiting patiently at red lights – like all good cyclists do. (Cycling through red lights) U is for Ukelele. A ukelele would be hard to play whilst cycling on the road. R is for Road to be shared equally and harmoniously between motorists, […]

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