PaulSecteur
No longer a Specialized fanboy
- Location
- Walsall, West Mids.
4 days off, a new mountain bike and Cannock chase is 10 miles away.
Ok, so my plan isn't so cunning: Ride my bike over Cannock chase every day for 4 days straight.
Day 1 - Friday. Jeez this is tough. I made it through the first few sections on determination and swearing. After that the determination had run out although the swearing was still going strong. It was all I could do to bimble round trying not to get in other people way. It did give me chance to watch better riders and see what they were doing. Hanging over the handlebars, sweat pouring off and trying to keep my lungs inside must be an unpleasant sight for passing riders.
Day 2 - Saturday. Knowing what to expect I hatched a plan. Rest when I need it, hopefully at the end of sections but half way through if needed and do not bimble - ride like I mean it! This took longer with all the extra rests but was more enjoyable. It also meant I had chance at the end of sections to have a chat with others catching their breath. Chatty bunch! This was the first time a saw this as an enjoyable activity.
Day 3 - Sunday. Aaaah legs! Shurrup legs! This wont be fun, but a plan is a plan. And yesterday I was told about a bail out point at the start of "Time for a brew" so expecting to do half a course I set off. After the first few sections the legs had warmed up and seem up for it... until that fire road climb before "breeze the trees". I didn't even make it to the first false summit. I felt more relaxed on the bike today, no numb hands from the handlebar death grip. Also I managed each section without stopping. Moment of the day was going into "The rollers" too fast. Think I owe my guardian angel a pint for that, I wasn't far from a face plant there.
Day 4 - Monday. Mission: Fire road climb will be mine!!! The first sections were completed in one go, but at a little less effort to keep some in reserve, I had a 5 minute breather before the climb, I set off just as a bunch of XC racer types came by... Demoralised much? Yup. Never mind, they don't know the joy of a kabab! Back to the hill. Lean forward, breath, relaxed grip, relaxed shoulders and...just...keep...going... keep going.... keep going! Did I make it up? You betcha I did! The summit was a welcome sight, except the 2 packets of "chicken bites" that had been left by some scrotty riders. Seriously, who does that? Someone brought them up so they have to have the space in their bags to take the wrappers with them. The rest of the course was finished usually linking 2 or 3 sections together before a break. Moment of the day: A front slide on one of the "7 sisters". Not as dirty as it sounds!
Future: Do the whole trail in one. Then do it in a respectable time. Then do the Monkey trail.
This little write up isn't for me to brag (but I am pretty pleased with myself!). This year I have done very little riding and class myself back at beginner fitness levels, and Im 100kg. Hopefully, the message is that improvements in fitness can come quickly. If someone is new to cycling and goes out a few times and finds it hard then keep at it, it does get easier and even becomes fun!
Ok, so my plan isn't so cunning: Ride my bike over Cannock chase every day for 4 days straight.
Day 1 - Friday. Jeez this is tough. I made it through the first few sections on determination and swearing. After that the determination had run out although the swearing was still going strong. It was all I could do to bimble round trying not to get in other people way. It did give me chance to watch better riders and see what they were doing. Hanging over the handlebars, sweat pouring off and trying to keep my lungs inside must be an unpleasant sight for passing riders.
Day 2 - Saturday. Knowing what to expect I hatched a plan. Rest when I need it, hopefully at the end of sections but half way through if needed and do not bimble - ride like I mean it! This took longer with all the extra rests but was more enjoyable. It also meant I had chance at the end of sections to have a chat with others catching their breath. Chatty bunch! This was the first time a saw this as an enjoyable activity.
Day 3 - Sunday. Aaaah legs! Shurrup legs! This wont be fun, but a plan is a plan. And yesterday I was told about a bail out point at the start of "Time for a brew" so expecting to do half a course I set off. After the first few sections the legs had warmed up and seem up for it... until that fire road climb before "breeze the trees". I didn't even make it to the first false summit. I felt more relaxed on the bike today, no numb hands from the handlebar death grip. Also I managed each section without stopping. Moment of the day was going into "The rollers" too fast. Think I owe my guardian angel a pint for that, I wasn't far from a face plant there.
Day 4 - Monday. Mission: Fire road climb will be mine!!! The first sections were completed in one go, but at a little less effort to keep some in reserve, I had a 5 minute breather before the climb, I set off just as a bunch of XC racer types came by... Demoralised much? Yup. Never mind, they don't know the joy of a kabab! Back to the hill. Lean forward, breath, relaxed grip, relaxed shoulders and...just...keep...going... keep going.... keep going! Did I make it up? You betcha I did! The summit was a welcome sight, except the 2 packets of "chicken bites" that had been left by some scrotty riders. Seriously, who does that? Someone brought them up so they have to have the space in their bags to take the wrappers with them. The rest of the course was finished usually linking 2 or 3 sections together before a break. Moment of the day: A front slide on one of the "7 sisters". Not as dirty as it sounds!
Future: Do the whole trail in one. Then do it in a respectable time. Then do the Monkey trail.
This little write up isn't for me to brag (but I am pretty pleased with myself!). This year I have done very little riding and class myself back at beginner fitness levels, and Im 100kg. Hopefully, the message is that improvements in fitness can come quickly. If someone is new to cycling and goes out a few times and finds it hard then keep at it, it does get easier and even becomes fun!
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