Is cycling addictive?

Posted on 8 May, 2011 by doug

You might have seen my recent post considering whether running is addictive.  I concluded that it was and now I find myself wondering if cycling, also, is addictive.  Could I be addicted to both?

This last week I have had the opportunity to do both, in equal measure.  I had my usual Sunday afternoon ride today (we always visit my mother-in-law for a spiffing afternoon tea, whato) and it was suggested to me by Rachel that the most direct route would be politic this afternoon.  That is about 30 minutes.  Now that simply isn’t enough, I was reckoning on at least a 90 minute ride.  Hadn’t she noticed the wonderful clouds piling up in the sky against such a crisp blue sky?  Hasn’t she felt the lovely breeze outside?  How on Earth can anyone resist the temptation or the opportunity of having a ride this afternoon.  It’s May, the most promising month in the year with the message that summer is around the corner, the days are getting longer and warmer and finally, not forgetting the new leaves on the trees, hedgerows.  It’s beyond me how anyone could not want to go for a bike ride!

Anyway, I obliged and sacrificed my 90 minute ride and knowing there’s no way Rachel with B&H would be there on time I succumbed by adding on a few miles.  Not too many but enough to feel I’d had a decent ride and I still beat them!

This brings me around to the title of this blog – is cycling addictive?  While I was riding, I was thinking of little else other than cycling and in particular plotting some more adventurous rides.  I have all kinds of rides mapped out in my mind to different places and most are ridiculously long.  I was trying to figure out how I would get fit enough to do 130 miles in a day, never mind 100.  I was contemplating whether I should invest in some better clothing, now I have a decent bike.  I was thinking that some of the long rides ought to start at 4.00am which brought me on to remembering last June’s ride around the Cotwolds at night.  In fact my friend Wallie and I are considering doing that again.

So there I was cycling in near perfect conditions and plotting more rides.  I was enjoying riding into the stiff wind, I was remembering the fun of riding in the rain, getting drenched and longing to be home and yet reveling in every mile.  I remembered other rides that were long and difficult and it made me smile.  Surely when I’m a grumpy old man, I don’t want to be there in a rocking chair wishing I’d done more while I had the opportunity.

Cycling tends to make me reflect, plot and plan.  Running makes me imaginative and have inspired ideas (which I mostly forget as I get back home).  Both help with the stress and strains of life which I cannot do without.

Yes, cycling is addictive.  Addictive but in a different way.  Anyone else….?

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Becoming a vegetarian

Posted on 3 May, 2011 by doug
Hannah who announced she too wanted to be a vegetarian

Over the last couple of years I have gradually been eating less and less meat.  Our eldest daughter, Becky has already more-or-less decided to make the change to become a vegetarian just from following my example.  Hannah (above) too announced last week she’d like to follow but changed her mind 30 minutes later when she realised she’d need to eat all her vegetables up!

Rachel has been very accommodating as she prepares different meals for us as a family these days. Although not a vegetarian, she doesn’t eat much meat and has cooked some wonderful vegetarian dishes which we’ve all enjoyed together.

So, why become a vegetarian?  There must be many reasons, on both sides.  These are the ones important to me:

  1. Health.  I do not need all of that protein from meat and the wrong kind of fat.
  2. There are a relatively small number of commonly available meats compared to the wide range of fruit, vegetables, beans and nuts.
  3. Meat is expensive
  4. Animal welfare – ethical reasons
  5. The land needed to raise cattle could be used for other more productive purposes – ethical reasons
  6. I dread to think what goes into sausages, burgers etc
  7. Do I really need it?
  8. I’ve heard meat contains traces of medications given to animals while alive
  9. Easier to stay fairly slim
  10. Vegetarians are said to live longer

The above list isn’t in any particular order, it’s just how it came out.  I’m  feeling very healthy and well nourished (but my hand still hurts!).

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Royal Wedding antidote

Posted on 30 April, 2011 by doug
What could be more English than a beautiful countryside lane like this?

Yesterday it seemed almost the whole country stopped for the Royal Wedding.  I did too but I managed to get out while it was all still going on.  I got out on my bike for what seemed the very best Royal Wedding antidote with roads that were mostly traffic free, deserted.  Occasional glimpses of people involved bunting, flags going up and other cyclists.  What bliss!

Every cyclist I came across was friendly once again today and the sheer sight of cyclists out numbering cars was a rare delight.  I rode for just over 50 miles, much on quiet lanes and I took the above photo as an example.  I also revelled in the soft hazy sunshine – probably my favourite lighting for midday.  The ride itself seemed fairly easy going with a tail wind in the first half and I averaged just over 15mph.  By the time I got home the average had dropped to 14mph.

If this was a semi serious training ride, there are a few things of note:

  • Water – I need about 500mls per hour in these conditions (moderate riding, 18 degrees)
  • My heart rate was probably around 140 – 150 beats per minute.  For me, nice for prolonged aerobic exercise.
  • Refuelling.  This is the tricky bit, potentially.  In the past I have found it really hard to re-start after a lunch break, so I decided to try a light snack and see if it suited me, in a 20 minute break.  It worked fine.  I’m sure that skipping a proper break and rest (and eating on the go) is counter productive now.  Although my cheese sandwich and an apple were easy to digest, I still felt a tad full to start with and rather stiff, I soon loosened up.  So that was worth doing.
  • Previously I have said I’m starting to really like hills, well, that continues as I recognise the value in training through working my heartbeat and stamina up.  I’m using higher gears now I’m getting a bit fitter but it’s always nice to know that 26T chainring is there should I ever need it.
  • Going down hill has scared me a few times on unfamiliar roads.  Gravel and grit on minor roads are the main hazards, along with holes and rough surfaces.  Yesterday towards home I hit 37mph on a well known hill with no problems.
  • Strong head winds have also been a pet hate in the past but less so nowadays; while not good for brisk miles it’s a good way to think more deeply.
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Goals to aim for – update

Posted on 29 April, 2011 by doug

Here’s a quick update of how I’m doing with the goals I set myself on 2nd April:

1. Detox myself
I had a caffeine free trial, just to see what it was like.  The first few hours were “noticeable” and then I carried on for a few days with no tea or coffee – but there was an exception.  The exception was a weak mug of tea, in bed, each morning.  I felt fine.

Now drastically cutting back on caffeine does not constitute a detox at all.  Since then I have been continued being virtually vegetarian and it feels a natural progression as I take better care.  Why should I become a vegetarian?  That sounds like a good future blog post.  We already eat quite a lot of organic food and wherever possible buy Fairtrade.  I have done some very basic research on detoxing and it’s a little confusing.  I just wanted to flush out some of those E numbers which have probably built up over time; a bit like having all that plaque removed by a dental hygienist.  I came across the Grapefruit detox diet and I’m just not sure!  Will report back later on this.

2. Weigh 10 stone
Updating on this is easier.  This morning I weighed in at 10st 5.5lbs but I know my weight does fluctuate from day to day according to what exercise I’ve done and of course, what I’ve scoffed. This means my BMI is 22.2 and that’s OK I believe.  So, I’ve lost 4.5lbs, almost half way.

3. Run a marathon
I haven’t got one in mind yet but I guess a specific one would give me something to aim for.  On Easter Monday I ran about 9.5 miles and felt as if I could go further, especially if it was less hilly.  Last year I did three half marathons and this seems a logical next step (though possibly irrational instead).

4. Cycle 100 miles in a day
Yesterday I did about 55 miles and my legs ached a bit today, so not quite up to the century as yet but hopefully I will over the next couple of months.  The biggest barrier is finding the time and not neglecting my family too much.

5. Read the Bible everyday on my own
I’m not doing very well with this!  We read together every day around the breakfast table; just a few verses and sometimes we’ll talk about it before dashing off to school, work etc.  I had in mind reading myself at the end of the day but other things sometime get in the way (particularly falling asleep!) so a different strategy is needed.  Nevertheless when I do read, I’m enjoying Proverbs once again.  As with many parts of the Bible, no matter how many times we’ve read a book or a chapter, there’s always something new.

Somehow the image below seems relevant.  Rachel found a rotting apple which had found its way in to the garage.  Amazing how a rotting apple still contains a viable seed which springs into life….


6. Stretch everyday
This is what I have failed the most on out of all my goals.  I reckon, from past experience, the best time to stretch is after a run.
7.  Floss my teeth everyday
Apart from just 1 or maybe 2 days, I have managed this!  Furthermore, I am getting increasingly thorough.

Why am I aiming for these goals?
 There’s a number of reasons; they’re all about being faithful and seeking to do the right thing.  Not wanting to be a grumpy old man in a nursing home with too many regrets for not doing things while I had the chance.  Sure I have regrets, I could have done this or that differently but these things are becoming more important.  
The driver behind these things?
I don’t always handle stress easily, particularly at work.  Running especially is an outlet; a kind of pressure release valve.  Sometimes people tell me I expect too much of myself or are too hard on myself.  They might be right but that’s the way I am so these are steps to keep things in perspective and function better.  I need to do it, not only for my sake but also for my family.
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Cycling to school

Posted on 28 April, 2011 by doug

For a while now Becky and I have been looking out for a good day to cycle to the 9.5 miles school and today it all came together.

I rode with her as it’s simply not right to send a 12 year old on that route for the first time on her own and we both thoroughly enjoyed it.

Planning it started yesterday with Becky needing to figure out all the details.  Arriving by 8.30am (or before) meant that she’d need to leave at a particular time and so she planned what time we had breakfast, got up and went to bed the night before along with what to wear, what the weather would be like and so on.  Just as well as it was flippin’ cold and I was grateful I had my woolly gloves on – you could even see your breath and such a contrast to a week ago.

I’m so proud of her as she felt great when we got there, she said it was like a little adventure and was pleased she’d done it.

The route we took was the flattest but that did involve a few miles on a busy A road, which was a drag.  I rode behind her, slightly further out into the road with my rear Cateye flashing away.  Then through some country lanes and undoubtedly annoying those 4×4 BMW, Audi, Volvo drivers (of which there are many gleaming examples around here).  I’ve found myself reassuring her a few times recently that as cyclists we have as much right to use the road as anyone else, though we do need to be considerate towards other people but not to be bullied by impatient drivers having to wait just a few seconds before they can over take us.

It’s a brilliant sense of achievement for her.  Although she’s ridden further distances before, it is the satisfaction of making it to school under her own steam for once.  Nobody else cycles to that school apart from one or two who live locally and occasionally cycle there.

So well done Becky – I’m so proud of you!

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Cyclists are friendly afterall!

Posted on 27 April, 2011 by doug
One of today’s sights: a crop of Rape Seed growing near Soulbury

I had a fantastic ride today, about 52 miles all in beautiful clear sunshine.

Following on from the blog post earlier today about cyclists and runners not always being very friendly, I decided to make a mental note of the reactions I had.  While I encountered just a handful of fellow cyclists today, I am proud to report that everyone was very friendly and there are a couple of noteworthy folk to tell you about.

The first was in the National Trust Ashridge Estate, always a nice place to cycle.  I passed a lady riding gently along on a 3 speed bike.  Both the bike and it’s rider seemed to be getting on a bit but extremely friendly.  As I passed I said my usual “Morning” in a cheery voice.  I was rather outdone with a “Good morning” that was so tuneful it was as if she was singing it to me.  It certainly made me smile.

The second cheery cyclist was a man called Mike, who I encountered at Soulbury.  At first I overtook him and said hello, or something like that as I went passed him.  He was friendly enough in his reply and again I smiled to myself.  Just a little further along the road he caught me up and we started chatting.  We exchanged a brief outline of where we’d been, how much we like riding and so on.  He was so pleasant and easy going I remarked on how he’d restored my faith in other cyclists.  Obviously he was a little puzzled with this and so I explained my previous blog gripe and he could identify with that and added he always would greet another cyclist – I believe him.  So, Mike, thank you for restoring my faith in other cyclists and thank you for those all-too-short few miles we rode along with each other.

Lunch break near Wendover Woods
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Cycling repair kit

Posted on 27 April, 2011 by doug

I am trying to get the balance right here in terms of what I should take, just in case there’s some kind of problem while I’m out riding.  My normal default approach is to be too light on these things but for now, here’s my emergency kit, which is tucked into my compact Carradice Overlander saddle bag.

  • yellow waterproof jacket (if rain is possible)
  • Specialized spare inner tube (free offer from Evans Cycles)
  • Slime Scab puncture repair patches
  • 4 & 5mm allen keys
  • Park Tool tyre levers x2
  • mobile phone (small and very cheap basic Nokia)
  • glasses (I’m long sighted and will need them for any repairs) in a hard case
  • ID
  • small LED headlamp, ideal for any repairs at night
  • latex gloves, handy for not getting oil all over my fingers and then putting normal gloves back on
  • money
  • energy bar
  • frame fit Zefal pump
  • Ordnance Survey map
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What do you think about while cycling?

Posted on 17 April, 2011 by doug

Asking what you think about might seem a daft question but it’s been on my mind earlier today as I had a lovely opportunity to clock up a few more miles.  Really it’s a question I’ve asked myself as I seem to gain much from cycling, both physically and mentally.  So, here goes:

  • I look around me and often enjoy the scenery.  We’re fortunate as it takes hardly any time to be in the country lanes, mostly away from cars.  I love the different seasons.
  • I marvel at the wonderful world that’s been created for us to live in and often reflect on us messing it up.
  • If there is a meeting or impending conversation coming up, I often rehearse what I’m going to say.  Doing it on two wheels is better than waking up at 3am and doing it!  I then think of different responses to the different things that could be said (it can get quite complicated after a while!).
  • I think of adventurous things I’d like to do or places I’d like to visit (by bike, of course)
  • I reflect on things that have happened recently, as a way of “processing” them in my mind and dealing with the stress I am often under at work
  • I think about my bike and listen to it – the tyres on the road, the chain whizzing around.  Am I in the right gear, or maybe twisting the chain too much (large chainring to large sprocket, what horror!)?
  • I wonder where that road might go.  Have I got time to find out?

I often feel reflective rather than inspired as I do when I run.  I don’t have particularly imaginative thoughts on two wheels but I do when I run.  I do remember things better though.  It does depend a bit on other things – the weather, traffic etc.

All in all, cycling is often very therapeutic for me; a nice way to unwind, to relax and reflect.  I’ve cycled quite a bit over the last week and, combined with yesterday’s morning run, I’m really benefiting but also feeling a tad addicted.

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Fantastic cycling!

Posted on 10 April, 2011 by doug

I had a couple of days off in the week, hastily arranged towards the end of the previous week.  I was feeling weary through work and I could feel the stress levels starting to climb again but happily not to the danger zone.  So, amongst other things I made sure I had a ride each day.  The first was about 25 miles and around 38 miles on the second.  Today I did 32.

I’m gradually starting to feel a bit fitter with cycling in mind and I do need to build the miles up if I stand any chance of completing 100+ miles in a day before too long.

Again I chose some hilly routes and I can feel they’re getting a little easier.  As you know I really like the gears on the Thorn Audax, with the close ratio sprockets at the back and triple chainset at the front,  I keep the small 26T “granny” ring in reserve for when its really steep, something like 1:4, or for when I’m really tired.  The hills are really like interval training in the running world and I feel the real benefits of this.

It’s nice having time alone to think things through but it’s different when cycling compared to running.  Running brings those flashes of inspiration, along with problem solving.  Of course at the end there’s the incredible rush of endorphins.  Cycling tends to be a more reflective time, chewing things over as the the scenery goes by.  I’m finding I need both more and more.

This April is turning out to be a fantastic month for us, weather wise. Sometimes we’ve had a bit of freaky snow although squally weather is more common.  However, over the last 10 days or so we’ve enjoyed some high pressure which has brought lots of sun and a crisp air.  I seem to have noticed the hedgerow blossom so much more this year.  Magnolias and \cherry trees are in flower right now – both look splendid and thankfully unspoilt by any high winds.  Rape seed is just starting to appear but I think we’ll have a more intense yellow in a week or two.  I know many people dislike these yellow fields but for me, they’re wonderful!

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A pleasant 35 miles to Aldbury, Bucks

Posted on 3 April, 2011 by doug
Village Pond at Aldbury, Bucks

I’ve enjoyed my weekend calorie burning efforts.  Started Saturday morning with a run lasting 1 hour, 15 minutes over very familiar hills and tracks.  Slight problem in my left foot, along the mid section on the outside. My theory is I pulled a muscle while running around in my cycling shoes (ill fitting) the previous weekend chasing B & H in a game of cops ‘n’ robbers.  To alleviate it I found running on the ball of my foot worked well and even better was achieving this meant that I had to run faster!  That might sound fine but I could only keep that pace up for so long.

Nevertheless I really enjoyed the run.  Mentally it set me up for the day as it normally does.  As so often happens, I think of all kinds of things (often quite creative) and then simply forget the moment I get home.  Does anyone ever run with a Dictaphone?

My bike ride this afternoon as again deliberately hilly with going UP rather than DOWN.  Mind you, it was fun and a little scary bombing down the hill into Aldbury from the Ashridge National Trust Estate.  My Cateye claimed 34mph as the maximum speed.  As stable as the Thorn Audax Mk3 is, I felt I was pushing it to the limit but I dare say others will regard this as rather tame.

All in all my ride this afternoon was 35miles and I knew I’d done it!  It shows I need to build up some miles in order to cover, say, 100+ miles in a day.  While yesterday I had that “runners high” feeling, this evening I have a quiet feeling of placidness from the miles today.

Before I forget, it was lovely being able to notice the changing seasons.  The blossom, the breezes, the April showers, the clouds and the lengthening daylight.  All is set for a great year ahead!

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Goals to aim for

Posted on 2 April, 2011 by doug



I’ve been thinking of setting myself some goals, things to aim for… maybe to achieve these during 2011.

  1. Detox myself – I’m going to look into this
  2. Weigh 10 stone – that’s about 10 lbs less than where I’m starting from
  3. Run a marathon – I’ve secretly wanted to do this for a while but not brave enough to say it
  4. Cycle 100 miles in a day – I’ve done this before but not in the last 25 years
  5. Read the Bible every day, on my own – we already read as a family at breakfast time
  6. Stretch everyday – I think this is a good thing to do
  7. Floss my teeth every day – I’ve had 3 fillings this year and I don’t want anymore
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Thorn Audax Mk3 – update

Posted on 27 March, 2011 by doug

Regular readers will know how I have been impressed from the outset with this new bike.  Happily it continues to delight me, so now a few hundred miles later, here’s an update.

The main thing is, of course, the frame.  As the wheelbase is about 2 inches shorter than my old Dawes Galaxy, the handling is a bit more sprightly and although I am very used to it now, it continues to please.  The frame has a nice mixture of being nice and stiff when I’m pedalling hard (pulling up a hill when I ought to be in a lower gear) and yet beautifully comfortable.  When I look straight down the forks, I can see them fluttering slightly in going over a rough road surface, just like the Dawes.  It’s nice having handlebars a little wider than what I’m used to – they’re just right and fairly comfy with some cork type handlebar tape with a strip of gel backing.  The bog standard Shimano brake levers are just right, as are the gear levers, now I’m used to their position at the end of the handlebars.  The brakes are, well made, stylish, smooth, perfetly balanced and more than adequate but not outstanding in their stopping power.

The Brooks B17 saddle is a real delight and seems to have broken in a lot faster than my other did 27 years ago.  I’ve played around with the position a couple of times, fine-tuning the ergonomics is crucial.  I’ve given it a few doses of Proofhide and have needed to tension the leather using the complimentary spanner.

I need to perfect the bike though.  There’s an irritating rattle, which I thought was the front mudguard and brake rubbing against each other.  ON close examination, it’s actually the mudguard rubbing against the fork.  This is a potential rust problem, so I need to get that sorted this coming week.  The mudguard is, I believe, just a little too wide.  I should say, in defence of Thorn Cycles, this bike was built up in my local bike shop and some details like the exact mudguards were, shall we say, a little more flexible.

The smoothness of shift of shifting gears is fantastic.  The rear cluster is fairly close ratio but even so, it is very quiet and quick with each of the components working well with each other.  What does sunrise me is the ability to get these slick gear changes even when under pedal pressure.  Having a Sram 9 speed cluster seemed a luxury but it all works well with the Shimano Deore mechs and Shimano bar end shifters.  The ratios are good and useful.

Overall this is a well sorted bike.  It fits the purpose of being a fast, practical bike that is versatile enough for commuting, light touring, day rides etc.  I am looking forward to enjoying some longer day rides to really put it (and me!) through its paces.

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Quick update on things….

Posted on 27 March, 2011 by doug

A very pleasant week including our 15th wedding anniversary.  As last weekend involved Rachel and I going away for a treat, we said to B&H they could choose what we did on the anniversary itself.  Their choice – and we loved this – was fish and chips on the Downs for tea.

After a trial ride last weekend, I decided to take a chance and cycle to work one day and see how my (still) injured hand held up.  The outcome wasn’t too bad, I’m still not “out of the woods” yet but I thoroughly enjoyed it.  My leg cycling muscles were definitely out of shape and I found I was working quite hard.

So I decided to do it all again the following day as the weather was so good!

The result is that my hand is suffering a bit, compounded by another 25 miles today!  In spite of what the Doctor has said, I am still not convinced I haven’t got a broken bone, so I might go back once more to have it checked more thoroughly.

I digress.  So grateful and blessed for another happy year of married life.

Posted in family, health, injury | Tagged , | 2 Comments

39 Stone Cyclist – Cycling Active magazine

Posted on 14 March, 2011 by doug

Another good read in what must be the current best value general cycling magazine around.  Plenty of variety in the articles covering fitness, kit, nutrition and features on cyclists.  The article on Emily Brooke’s LEJOG ride was very interesting but the prize must go to Gary Brennan, the 39 Stone Cyclist.

It’s quite a dramatic story of Gary hitting a crisis point which led him to making a life changing commitment.  As you can see from the snap of the magazine article, he weighed in at 39 stone (wow!) and found himself in hospital with all kinds of difficulties.  That was the turning point that saw Gary take up cycling which has been a dramatic, inspirational real life story.  It’s well worth tracking down the magazine article or maybe visiting his own blog if you want to know more.

I can only take my hat off to the Gary’s of this world.  He made that commitment when he was at crisis point and had the determination and grit to follow it through.  I can only imagine what it must have been like for him, it’s quite a story which, unsurprisingly, is still on-going.

Follow this link to his blog:

http://theamazing39stonecyclist.wordpress.com/

Posted in health, Uncategorized | Tagged | 2 Comments