Training round up

A much better week this week – the festive break gave me some much needed time to get on the bike. I managed 3 outings and covered a total of ~75 miles.

First outing was to and from rowing training. The ride there was hard, straight down the Fosse Way into a head wind. The return wasn’t much more fun as my legs were tired from sculling. I hope when the weather’s better and the light comes back to be able to do this ride, and more, as an easy commute.

The second ride was a bit more exploratory; I headed Kenilworth way with Mark as he returned home for Xmas. The route went past the castle and I was taken about by how grand it is. Definitely going back out that way to see it again.

My final ride was again with Mark. We decided to head down the Fosse Way and on to Sun Rise Hill. Sun Rise Hill is the opposite to the usual climb onto Edge Hill and I was looking forward to the climb. All was well until one of Mark’s spokes snapped. Now he’d been told to get it sorted but as usual had left it too long! So with the hill in sight we turned round and gingerly rode back. I can say that following someone who’s lost a spoke is funny and frightening. His wheel was moving an inch either way and I kept thinking his wheel might collapse leading to a tumble. Oh well, I’ll save Sunrise Hill for another day.

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L'Etape du Tour 2008

Etape profile
Pau to Hautacam
8,000 riders will take on the 154-kilometre stage from Pau to the summit at Hautacam, via the east side of the Col du Tourmalet.

The Bike

Trek Madone 5.0
Trek Madone 5.0 (2007)
I love this bike, some would say too much with the amount of time I spend maintaining it! But if I'm going to be going 50mph down a mountain I want to know its in good shape.

Latest images

  • Me at the Col Du Soulier summit
  • Me at the Col d'Aubisque summit
  • Mark at the Col d'Aubisque summit
  • Mark with the big bikes
  • Me with the big bikes
  • Mark at the Col Du Soulier summit
  • The last corner
  • Alex, Mark and I
  • The summit sign and statue
  • Sun breaks through
  • Clouds rolling in
  • View to the east
  • View to the west
  • Alex and Mark after Hautacam climb
  • Mark and Paul
  • View down Col Du Marie Blanque
  • The C4 loaded up
  • Col d'Aubisque summit
  • Mark and Alex in Biarritz coffee shop
  • Mark at the top of Pier St Martain

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About this blog

Welcome to the personal blog of Robert A J Ford, a professional interaction designer and developer based in the UK.

I started this blog in 2007 to record my cycle training leading up to the Etape. I've never been one for diaries but this format works well with my job and lifestyle so I expanded it to record details of other training and events.

As the blog grew it became a space where friends and family followed my activities. Their feedback has inspired me to keep writing. I hope you find something of interest and please feel free to leave comments.

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