No.2 Snow rides!

For me cycling in the snow should be classed as an extreme sport. I should explain that although Winter is my favourite season. When it comes to me and my bike I'd prefer to ride in temperatures over 5 degrees. If it takes over 6 hours to defrost from a ride it's fair to say the conditions were extreme.

After the last snowy session a few weeks ago I vowed not to partake in snow cycling again. This was possibly down to finding ourselves on a frozen mud canal path, bikes enduring a battering as off-roading across farmers fields became the only 'escape' route and blizzard conditions for the last 12 miles!

Today the vow was broken, I couldn't wait to put on the lycra - along with a million other layers (think Michelin man). I guess this is what happens after a bike free weekend due to the snowy weather. A glimmer of sunshine broke through the clouds and that was that. As I blog I will admit to still needing further defrosting time but it was worth it :-) Note to self - must invest in more quality winter clothes.

Sadly, snow on the ground doesn't stop some drivers from being idiots. There were only two on our chosen route today. It seems that with snow on the ground and therefore less tarmac to share, certain drivers can't wait to prove their authority. Not sure they even realise that as a sane human being there is nothing that would make me think I could 'take on' a tonne of metal! The road is yours my friend I'll be fine stopped right here on the verge on an uphill! Grrrr. Rant over ;-)Anyway, after said uphill this was the view :-)  

It's great exploring new roads and so exciting to think that when doing JoGLE next year every road will be new. A real adventure. Snow cycling may not be my first choice but today's short but sweet ride had it's plus points. Mainly those great long, scary downhills and a really great, late lunch at the end ;-)

Please feel free to check out the ride on the link below. 

http://www.mapmytracks.com/explore/activity/933546

No.1 Let's get it over with!

So, this is it. My first blog post ever! Guess a little bit of background is needed as to why I'm even here.  7 years ago I contracted Necrotising Fasciitis. I was given 2 hours to live. I'm still here :-)
That's the short but sweet version! Life can be tough, but if I'm honest, without those truly awful years in my life, I wouldn't be embarking on this latest challenge.

My first ever challenge was a 40km walk and the accomplishment still makes me smile. It seemed such an impossible task. Crossing that finish line was the start of an addiction - to set myself goals and achieve them. Some are small and personal and others are huge and really, really scary!

I decided to get a bike, I got on it (an achievement in itself! lol) and rode. It hurt. A lot! When I started to ride I could manage 1/2 mile on the flat with tears. That was 1 year ago. Now, I can manage 20 miles for a decent training ride although there are still tears ;-)

I love cycling. I love laughing out loud on a ride as the realisation sinks in that I - yes me - I  - am riding a bike. I even love the pain. I love feeling alive.

In 15 months I shall be riding from John O'Groats to Lands End covering 1000 miles. 1000 miles. 1000 miles. Nope doesn't matter how many times I type it it still hasn't sunk in! Of course however much I'd like to believe I could, a solo end to end isn't viable. Therefore, my hubby Graeme will be my support rider/companion/yoga coach/cake buyer/mechanic and more ;-)

I hope this blog will be a great way to record what will be an amazing personal journey and hopefully encourage others to challenge themselves and push their limits.

Here endeth the first blog :-)