The Stragglers' Sunday Ride

Fully fit after my mishap a fortnight prior I was keen to get back on the bike.  So this morning I caught the train out to Thames Ditton to join The Stragglers on their Sunday Ride, and we were blessed with the best weather one could possibly hope for this time of year.  Fog first thing  with the promise that it would burn off quickly and turn in a bright sunny and warm day.

The weather encouraged a good sized group to meet at The Angel.  Once on the road we headed in a general SW direction, past Sandown racecourse, through Esher, towards Cobham then Ockham before turning left for Effingham.  It was here we greated the North Downs, and the first of two climbs - approximately 175m over about 5km.  The second, Box Hill, followed immediately after the descent of the first.  It had a similar profile to the first climb.  Having trained for the Dragon Ride and Gruyere Cycling Tour without riding any hills of note, it is good to know (now) there are a couple decent climbs close to home.

After a cup of tea at the top of Box Hill, we headed back NW via Headley, Leatherhead, Oxshott and Esher before joining up with the first section of our ride near Sandown.

It was a fantastic route and I enjoyed the company of The Stragglers.  Thanks to Ray and Sue for letting us join you, and Dave Thomas for the invite.  Moreover it was great to be back on the bike.

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Riding with Lance

Today's cycling news was all about Lance Armstrong.  Last week's announcement that he would return to the Pro cycling ranks ended much speculation but raised more questions than it answered.  Which team would he join?  Which events would he ride in?  If he joins Astana, what about Alberto Contador?

In today's press conference, Armstrong announced he would be joining Astana and that the first event he would be participating in would be the Tour Down Under in January 2009.  This is big news in Adelaide as evidenced by the fact that both my parents and my brother were in touch with me.  It is even being reported as a coup in the local paper - The Advertiser.

Significantly for me - I am going to be riding a stage of that event albeit not with the pros.  Associated with this event is an open ride which will follow the route of Stage 4 between Burnside Village and Barossa Valley.  I have already entered this ride. 

Armstrong's presence is going to bring much attention to the Tour Down Under, which will translate into excitement in the peleton of the open ride.  I can't wait - better start the training.

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... one more goal

Sorry, I have one more goal to add to my previous post:

• Complete the Richmond Park 3-lap Challenge (Bike Radar Forums) under 60 minutes.
  

The year ahead

Whether I like it or not, the summer of 2008 is well and truly over. The days are rapidly getting shorter, cooler and if it is possible wetter. The completion of the season also marks the end of my first year on a bike.
I purchased my first bike, a Specialized Sirrus Elite, at the end of August 2007 with a view of starting to ride to work. Riding to work never eventuated, instead I rode for fun and fitness. In the year I have riden over 3500km, and that excludes the virtual miles I have done on my turbo trainer. I have riden in all conditions possible - hot and cold, sunshine, rain, hail, sleet, and even snow.
I didn't set myself any goals when I purchased my first bike. I had vague of objectives of improved fitness but nothing that would comply with the SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound) method. So I thought it would be appropriate define some proper goals for my second year:

• Complete one of the big three sportives - Maratona dles Dolomites, La Marmotte, E'Tape du Tour;
• Complete a UCI Golden Bike sportive;
  
• Climb three "legend" Tour de France mountains - one must be Col du Tourmalet;
• Complete Lac Leman in under 5 hours;
• Attain a Silver standard time;
• Cycle 5000km in the next 12 months.

Ok, they are not in the same league as those on My Cycling Challenge but I think they will be challenging enough. I will be using this blog to plot my progress.