Some of our riders are training REALLY hard. Team North are going for it in Northumberland.
Dave’s Strava map is worthy of a caption competition…
I think it looks like a soldier with rucksack and gun. Yes? No?
They’re obviously a fit bunch: 54miles, 3000ft of climbing and an average speed of 13.9mph #wow
Phil’s highlight: “feeling fitter.”
Stephen: “the beautiful rural scenery…and having to move cows and sheep off the road to get past.” 🤣
Ann: “effective peloton.”
Charli said: “I nearly died!”
Poor Charli 😩
Fortunately we believe in the Resurrection. 😉
Dave’s highlight: “munching on a good beef sandwich and cake.”
I agree Dave, eating is a good highlight.
Charlis final comment: “it hurt!”
On the second day’s training they were joined by Lucy.
There were more cows to keep Stephen happy.
And more fitness challenges for Phil.
MEANWHILE…
Bill, from Cambridge is taking a more laid back approach to his training.
…In Spain! 😎
The rest of Team East are also on a unique training regime.
They are very clever because they don’t need pedals.
Tiffany turned 50 – WHOOP – and spent a holiday in Ireland with family celebrating. She says she’s eaten so much she doesn’t think her cycling jersey will fit.
The Coles family are busy with other important things like being a doctor, vicar and post exam teenager. Here they are after a training session a while back.
And I’m not sure what Susannah is up to. You’ll meet her when the challenge gets started.
Here’s Lil. Look at that 1000 lightbulb smile.
Lil describes it more as a grimace because she’s just come up some epic hills around South Cave (near Hull), where she lives and she’s proud to be part of Team North.
Team West is made up of Harry and he’s been training hard in the hills of the West Country, although I can’t show you any photographic evidence.
Team South went out both days last weekend.
Heath confessed that his bike has stood unused in the garage for a while hence the need for a heavy duty pump.
Final briefing by Mark and Suki and they’re off into the Chiltern hills.
Look behind you…
A bust of Lord Nelson. No home should be without one.
The next day Mark, Martin and Laura trained around Windsor Great Park. Oops is that a sign saying no bicycles?
Do deer trump cows in the wildlife viewings?
Baby cows are cute but these beasts are magnificent. Sorry Stephen.
What’s not so great is all the force feeding.
Poor Laura!
Happier now with a celebration G&T back at ours. You deserve it.
This crazy lady turned 70 on Tuesday. Doing this ride is her way of entering the new decade. You’re brave …and nuts, Laura!
Dave Arkell is training in other ways.
Wife Jo explains that he’s refining his “husband skills” whilst preparing to take the family on holiday.
Well done Dave!
Suki’s slot
I’ve been watching all this human activity with some amusement over the last few weeks. In my humble opinion it’s far too hot to go rushing about. Much better to lie at home in a cool shady spot.
There is one thing I’m happy to do.
Posing
…and I plan to do quite a lot of it during the challenge.
I’ve also been thinking up some tricks to play when we’re on the ride to keep the humans amused. We don’t want any grumpy humans on this ride. Whatever happens I’ll bring you the inside story. Promise. 🐾
They are quite a nice bunch and I hope you’ll cheer them on their way during the challenge: 24 – 30 August. You can do that by commenting on the blog and also PawBook, sorry, I meant Facebook.
Your donations are for a great cause and will really encourage everybody too. We’re just over 50% right now – lets help get to 100%. Thank you if you’ve already made a gift and if you haven’t then you can do that here.
It’s going to be quite an adventure. Don’t miss any of the fun by signing up to receive the daily blog.
Please help spread the word. Share the blog on social media and email to friends. It will be fun, especially if I get to chase deer!
That’s it for now WOOF!