Wet. Wet. Wet.

Training update: March

We left what felt like a jolly cold January and a freezing February behind us, only to be met by a moist March that marred our month of training with mud.

Not easily perturbed, we put on our big-boy cycling pants to brave whatever the elements threw our way. And when bravado escaped us, we opted for indoor training on Zwift: Richard in the comfort of his office, Paul amid the chaos of his garage.

Sadly Richard’s regime was rudely interrupted by a bout of the dreaded COVID. But he soon recovered and was raring to go: back on his bike ready to take part in a Salisbury Sportive. The only drawback was that the event took place on Sunday 26th March – the weekend that the clocks sprung forward. So the 06:45 departure was actually 05:45 for us bleary-eyed bicyclists.

Imagine our dismay as we unloaded our gravel bikes (in the rain) only to spot that 90% of participants had turned up on fat-tyred mountain bikes. All soon became clear when, ten miles in, we had to abandon the designated route due to several near-death experiences on the mud-covered chalk climbs and descents! Quick thinking and a trawl of Komoot soon saw us following our own road route through the beautiful Wiltshire countryside (although finding ourselves on the A303 came as an unpleasant surprise).                                                                   

Food glorious food

Training doesn’t just consist of eating up miles with constant pedalling. It’s also about trialling the best and most palatable ways to fuel ourselves while on the move. So far banana bread, raspberry flapjack and protein-packed chocolate cherry balls – all homemade – have proved tasty, portable and energising.

Mechanical malfunctions

We’re also mastering our maintenance skills with at least three punctures each and a much-needed mid-route fiddle with Richard’s gears (where would we be without YouTube tutorials?)

And finally…

We close this post by saying THANK YOU. We’re overwhelmed by the massive show of support from family, friends and colleagues since February’s unveiling of our madcap venture. It has certainly spurred us on. Keep sharing the love by dropping us a note in the comment box below and, if you can, visit our JustGiving page for Phyllis Tuckwell Hospice Care. 

Another update to come in April. In the meantime, here are a few more photos.

Cheers Richard & Paul

Photos (clockwise from top left): Chittern church, Another soggy ride begins, Salisbury Sportive, Last puncture of the day, War Horse sculpture, A bit of Italy in Wiltshire, Indoor PE, Salisbury Plain.