It’s that time of year again when the magpies see cyclists as imminent threats to their nests and test the qualities of one’s cycle helmet. I was very pleased that mine kept the claws off my head and also showed no ill effects from the repeated onslaughts. I gave this particular individual […]

It’s been a really extreme week for highs and lows. High because I’ve reached my first $1000 donated to my mission, gutted because the event I am training for has had to be postponed for a year. I understand the logistical road block (NZ Golf Open) that has occurred for 12 March 2016 but at […]

Joined in my first CP group cycle ride this week, we had fun with wacky races and a bit of clowning around in good company. This addition to my timetable has meant I have had to experiment with altering the timing  and content of my meals so I am neither full nor hungry at 6pm. […]

Last week ended with my first attempt at a real hill, Westmorland. It wasn’t pretty and I am very glad no one witnessed it! There may have been a bail out detour required at Sedgwick St but that was only so I could do a U turn and continue on up the hill minus the […]

The last month has seen a noticeable increase in milage on the bike. Two weeks ago saw my biggest ever training week, with 25 hrs, 415km (all on MTB) and some swimming. The biking included a mid week 148km ride, followed by a weekend trip from near Timaru to Twizel and return. Last week I […]

One of the advantages of being an older soul is that over the years I’ve tried out loads of different kit and equipment so you’d think I had pretty much figured out what I like and what works well for me. Thing is that new products and refinements of older ones keep coming along and […]

The CP Brunch Ride was great. In the pic is Fleur on the left and my fellow newbie, Amy on the right. That makes me the one in the middle! Both Amy and I were nervous beyond any sense of proportion, anyone would think this was the World Champs or something. But for us new […]

It’s raining. Rats. Last weekend was glorious! But together with Fleur we always have a ‘plan B’ if not plans C and D as well sometimes! I really love having a coach that relieves me of having to think about all the ‘what ifs’ so I can be better prepared. Taking this load off me […]

I wasn’t sure on what I wanted to write about this week, I had a few ideas but I just couldn’t really decide. My health has improved from my last update (yay, I’m not sick anymore), it took a bit longer to get better than I expected. I felt fine most of the time but […]

Have now completed my first “official” Brevet, albiet a short one. The Coaster micro-adventure, 230km, 2400m of climbing and 13.5hrs riding over Saturday 1st August and Sunday 2nd. While most decided to ride the entire distance on the Saturday, a friend and I decided it was far more sensible to overnight in a comfy motel […]