Category: Cycling

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Flu :-(

Apologies for no report from the Dark and White event on Sunday, I was entered but have spent the last four days not moving the the sofa and day time television with flu.

Tonight I feel much better and hope to go back to work tomorrow but I think training is a few days away. Adrian Timmis has just posted a good reminder about not going back to full training too soon on his blog. So, although tempted, as I have now not trained properly for two weeks already for various reasons, I need to be patient, let the effects of the flu go completely and then put a week of steady recovery rides in before cranking this back up over the Xmas period.

http://cadencesport.blogspot.com/ 

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Stodge-blog has the egg-factor!

Stodge-blog won ! Thanks to everyone who voted, my egg cup and certificate arrived this morning. Together with a case of cereal. Forget X factor, Strictly or any other annual reality TV voting extravaganza, the Stodge-blog vs Molly and the Princess battle topped them all.
So how come I won when Molly jumped ahead on the last night. I dont know much but apparently there was some voting irregularities by parties unknown that Dorset Cereals had to investigate before eventually declaring the mountain bike the winner.
Trouble is I'm now winning the December awards, time to take the vote for me widget down I think.
Thanks again and thanks to Dorset Cereals, other cereals are available but yours are the best, Stodge.

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Snow dogs!

With 2 inches of snow and a temperature of minus 6, I might have been tempted by another turbo session in the garage this weekend. However, the sun was shining and it seemed a shame to miss out on some potentially spectacular winter views, so out I went. Taking note of Facebook updates complaining of frozen gears I opted again for the single-speed and boldly embarked on a 3 hour ride, wrapped up against the cold.

Conditions under wheel were actually very good with the crunchy fresh snow giving good grip, though extra effort was needed to keep things moving.

Early on there were very few people out but, as lunchtime neared some of the main Cannock Chase tracks became very busy with people, and that continual annoyance for runners and cyclists: loose dogs running amock. Most of the time they just generally get in the way, but I had a new experience on Saturday – camouflaged dogs! I saw a lady in the path shouting and slowed right down but could not see the dogs she was calling. Apprehensive, waiting for something to jump out, I then saw them right next to me, a pair of fairly big Dalmatians, their coats perfectly camouflaging them lying in the thin leafy snow. Luckily they were both very well behaved and stayed put as I cruised past, amazed…..
 

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Toasty Feet

Trying to save some cash this year I have decided not to replace my old winter riding boots (now rotten) and try over-shoes instead. I've not had good experiences in the past with overshoes. They either seem to be impossible to put on quickly, or fall off, or flap.

I decided to go for some budget ones and see how I got on without spending too much.

I've now had two rides in freezing temperatures using the SPEG over-shoes and they seem to work well. They are easy to pull on and fasten simply with a huge Velcro tab at the back, covered in reflective tape, though I've not tried them in the rain or snow yet ! 

SPEG 'Teksion' Tri-Layer Neoprene Overshoes

At only £15.00 I think I might get another pair (I even get cold feet in the garage on the turbo)!