Increasing the mileage

Didn’t need to worry too much about the rack and bag, Pitsford Cycles didn’t quibble at all and just swapped it for a smaller road bike specific bag, a little smaller in volume but having tested it out this weekend I am happy it is big enough for Canada.

The Trek complete with new rack and bag

On Sunday I cycled to Nuneaton. Now that might not mean much to you, but it represents a significant step to me as it’s far enough on a map for me to think “that’s quite a long way”. I have done that sort of mileage before but it’s a little different when you don’t do a circuit, I felt as if I’d actually gone somewhere and you get to see some new scenery.

What was a little frightening was that as I got off after 53 miles I thought that in about 4 weeks I would still have 47 miles to go to finish the Peterborough 100!

Over all though I was really pleased with the ride, the bike was comfy and even after 3 ½ hours I wasn’t suffering. The added bonus was that mother in Law had a roast dinner ready!

Tonight I have learned an important lesson, don’t take your chain off to clean it, it’s incredibly messy and fiddly and even in a garage under good lights things ping off and get lost….I will just clean it on the bike next time.

The rest of this week is about hills. A couple of hour long rides after work and then next weekend I’m off into the Welland Valley to spend a couple of hours climbing, I know it’s going to hurt but I need to test myself on some serious hills, not only to see how hard it is but also to learn about the gearing and ensure I have confidence in my kit.

Onwards and upwards….only 94 sleeps until Canada