Month 1 Report Card - March 2013

So, having been at this cycling lark for 1 month now, how does my report card look?

Attendance

21/28 days, with 4 days holiday, 2 days of inclement weather and 2 days for recovery seems to me to be a pretty good 'attendance' record. I certainly avoided any real truancy!

Distance

Having covered close to 84 miles this month is probably the biggest surprise of all theses statistics to me. I commented in an earlier blog that the sales guy in the cycle shop said "come back for your first service after a 100 miles". I thought, comparing this to my car, that this would be in 3-6 months, not 3-6 weeks! Admittedly, it's in this latter week that I've really started to ramp up the distance, with over 30 of these miles having been covered in the last 5 days. It will be interesting to see how this continues.

Duration

Time in the saddle has amounted to a few minutes short of 9 hours. This seems acceptable, in that I had always intended my rides to coincide with the 30 minutes or so that I would normally be arguing with myself as to whether still I had time for another chapter of my book before getting up for work. It was not my intention to be spending whole days out riding, far from it, my short attention span would not cope with that!

Fat Burn

The whole purpose of this cycling endeavour has been to get fit, and one measure of this has to be whether I've burned off any of that winter fat that I've been piling on, knowing full well that it was going to be a cold one! Looking at the calories, and I realise this is not an exact science as I've not been wired up to an ECG machine in some hi-tec medical facility, but according to my new electronic buddy, Endomondo, I've burned 6,094 kcals, apparently equivalent to 11 burgers! Disappointingly however, according to the bathroom scales, this has only translated into a 2lb weight loss. I am putting this miserable performance down to the build up of muscle in my legs, I hear it may be heavier than fat, so this must be the reason. As such, I am holding off reporting "must do better" until I've had another month under my belt - something, by the way, I'm also expecting to get looser!

Summary

So in summary, this first month has been a positive one, particularly as some 20+ years ago, the last time I bought a bike, I rode it to and from work on the first day, to work again on the next and then collected it from work in the car some 6 weeks later, never to ride it again! This month, I've increased my stamina from a wheeze around a 2 mile circuit into town and back, to a 3-4 village tour of 7+ miles with plenty of gas still left in the tank. I'm now looking forward the next few months, as the days get longer and the weather becomes warmer - I know, wishful thinking!

Day 30 - Colyton

Following The Hill on Friday, my thigh muscles were in need of a little down time yesterday. Also, there was a Tiger Tank spectacular occurring at Bovington camp which meant that a rest day was certainly on the cards. So this Easter Sunday morning, the first day of British Summer Time, I stepped out into the early sun to conclude my first month of cycling. I was keen to mark this day with a route that would highlight the improvement in my fitness, which meant securing another village trophy, Colyton. I'm thinking I should be adding stars or something to my bike frame for each village I 'conquer', like a fighter pilot marks his kills on the side of his plane!

Colyton Station

So, the route to Colyton took me out along Harepath Road and up Gully Shoot, a long climb past the prestigious Colyton Grammar School. Pausing for a moment at the summit and the beautiful viewpoint overlooking the Axe valley, I then descended into Colyford's narrow picturesque lanes, where a few weeks back, the high walls had redesigned one of my car's wing mirrors! Colyton has a number of interesting attractions which I had to visit: golden stone buildings, grand gates, bridges, quirky roundabout and of course the terminus to the Seaton Tramway.

"Vehicles left at owners' risk"

After the detour to view the station, all closed up on this Easter Sunday, I returned to the main road and Colyford down Crownhayne Lane, a road not for the fainthearted as there are few passing places for even a bike should one meet a car coming the other way. It is also a road which this winter has spent most of its time submerged as it crosses the Axe River flood plain.

Colyton Roundabout!

Cycling back up hill into Colyford, past the old garage museum, I turned in down Seaton Road for the country ride back to the sea. Entering Seaton, the sun was so warm that I felt had to visit the beach. This put me on the road to Castle Hill, which is so steep, that I have yet to climb in one go. Today, however, it was taken with relative ease; what a difference a month makes! This was the perfect circuit and weather to conclude my first full month on two wheels, a summary of which I'll add later.

Stats: 7.32 mi, 48m 25s, Avg 9.1 mph, max 23 mph, 546 kcal

Day 28 - The Hill

The Hill has been conquered. Another day of firsts with both the assent of Seaton Down Hill and a new speed record of 28.7 mph ... that's a big hill!  It took 14 minutes to climb and 3 minutes to descend and having misplaced my woolly hat, the -3c air temperature with wind chill left my head feeling somewhat numb!

View from the top of the Hill, the mist obscuring the sea and town below

The remainder of the route was very much as yesterday, on through Colyford and returning via Axmouth along that miserable excuse of a road surface - another note to self to start campaign for more cycle routes. The sky was supposed to be clear this morning, so I took along my camera hoping to catch some great sunrise pictures, but I must have been out too early as the sky was milky and the low hanging early morning mist gave poor visibility and insufficient light. Not as good as yesterday.

Stats: 6.52 mi, 45m 9s, Avg 8.6 mph, max 28.7 mph, 515 kcal

Day 27 - Axmouth Circuit

What a beautifully sunny morning to be out on a bike. Endomondo says it is -5c out there, so it's still not quite what I would expect from an early spring morning and while I'm itching to remove the Michelin-man layers, I'm not complaining now that at least the sun has come out.

After breaking out of Seaton's parish boundaries yesterday, I felt the need to explore further territories today. Heading out in the same direction up Seaton Down Hill, across to Harepath to join the A3052, I dropped down into Colyford. Avoiding the draw of Seaton Road, which yesterday took me back to the beach, I pressed on, over the tram lines and the Axe River bridges. Turning then south, back along the B3172 Axmouth Road, just before the excruciatingly long climb towards Lyme Regis, which will have to wait for another day, I cycled on through Axmouth. This is a lovely looking village of old thatched houses, pubs and a golden stone church over looking the Axe estuary.

Seaton's 19th Century Bridge

The final mile of road back into Seaton is a little like a drag strip to motorists but at this time of day, not too many were on the road. The road surface itself, however, is appalling at close quarters. The front shocks and padded undergarments were certainly earning their keep! I entered Seaton over the now unused 19th Century concrete bridge, the oldest in Britain. This was a bit of a detour but it had to be done. As too was the route along the promenade and the final loop around the wetlands, it was as if I had to revisit all the interesting features covered in this first month of cycling.

I'm not sure what tomorrow will bring, we will have to see how inspired I feel in the morning .. after all, I still have Seaton Down Hill the conquer!

Stats: 6.68 mi, 39m 17s, Avg 10.2 mph, max 24.8 mph, 443 kcal

Day 26 - First Breakout

Still waiting for spring to arrive, I set out this morning into freezing flurries of snow but with an air of expectation, following yesterday's mammoth ride, that today I would finally break out of Seaton.

It is a great feeling, venturing into unchartered territory. As I turned onto the main A3052 into Colyford, I felt the metaphorical umbilical cord, attaching me to Seaton, break and like an early space walker, I could have drifted anywhere! It was not long, however, indeed it was all too short a time, before the gravitational pull of Seaton dragged me back towards the sea.

Another milestone, the first breakout of Seaton, has been completed and Axmouth is now in my sights.

Stats: 3.8 mi, 23m 15s, Avg 9.8 mph, max 22.2 mph, 262 kcal

Day 25 - Worth Cycling For

Back in the saddle again after a 5 day interlude, the result of wintery weather and a long weekend away up in the north.

I thought I'd ease myself back in gently with a few circuits of the Esplanade to give me sufficient time to finish off my latest Jack Reacher audio book, "Worth Dying For", which I'd not quite completed on my weekend road trip. Lost in the closing chapters, my circuits mounted. I could not, however, hear over the melodic tones of the New England narrator, Jeff Harding, that Endomondo had already called out the 1-2-3-4-5 mile markers before I turned off to conclude my ride. Not realising how far I'd travelled, I took in a wide circuit of the hospital for good measure, Jeff still chatting to me through my headphones.

So, it was to my complete surprise, when checking the stats after securing bike and helmet away, that I had actually completed 7 miles and had been out 45 minutes ... oh my! A new distance record and a bit of a rush to get ready for work. Audio books are certainly 'worth cycling for'!

Stats: 6.98 mi, 44m 54s, Avg 9.3 mph, max 21.0 mph, 507 kcal

Week 3 - Rain Shortens Play

Things were going so well, then the start of spring brought about a return to winter, with driving rain, gale force winds and drifting snow, and no cycling for 5 days. My Endomondo stats are, however, an interesting read - then again, I've always been interested in stats. When I picked up my bike 3 weeks ago, the guy said, "come back after a 100 miles for your free first service". I thought, that would be months away, but I see I've already done over 50 miles in 3 weeks. It is surprising how the miles clock up!

Total workouts:18

Total duration:5h:37m:51s

Total distance:52.53 mi

• Trips around the world:0.002
• Trips to the Moon:0

Average speed:9.33 mph

Average pace:6m:26s

Calories burned:3821 kcal

• Burgers burned:7

Looking at the distance travelled these last 3 weeks, this enforced down time is clear to see.  I am looking forward, next week, to getting back in the saddle.

Meanwhile, I see in the local paper, an advert for a bike club event: "The Axemen Bike Club has organised events for Easter Saturday, (March 30). The fist is an Easter egg ride out to four homes for young adults. The route will be about 70 miles and will take, roughly, three hours". 70 miles, I thought that would bring my service date dramatically forward but at an average speed of 23.3 mph, they couldn't be serious! Indeed, further investigation confirmed that the Axemen Bike Club, is actually a motorbike club! Phew! I was more than a little concerned that I'd never be able to keep up with these cyclists ;) It has, however, made me think of may be looking up the 'real' local cycling club, the Axe Valley Pedallers ... watch this space.

Day 19 - Foggy Wetlands

For a change of scene, today, I reversed the route and took in a loop around the foggy wetlands. I've walked here before but had thought the path was verboten for bikes. Seemingly not, it is actually included in National Route 2 of the National Cycle Network, something which I find hard to believe having seen the narrowness of one of the sections and the rickety bridge to be crossed!

Stats: 3.66 mi, 25m 29s, Avg 8.6 mph, max 21.0 mph, 288 kcal

Day 18 - Mapping Seaton

Blue sky, dry and sunny this morning. It is hard to believe winter is forecast to return later in the week. Retracing yesterday's outward route, I added a climbing small loop via Fremington Road, one of the options I declined to take yesterday, and past a property we looked to buying some 5 years ago. I'm now glad that offer was never accepted .. and not just because of the extra hill I would now have to climb. Exiting back onto Marlpit Lane and bouncing up to 19 mph avoiding potholes and 'sleeping policemen', the shimmering sea comes into view and stays with me for the mile decent down to the harbour turn. This section is now the quickest of the circuit.

On the return, I followed the same route as yesterday, Drovers Way, Harepath Road and Homer Lane, but held out on the road to Colyford for an extra half mile to pick up Gravel Lane, a small path I spotted yesterday linking Colyford Road with Drovers Way ... I'm beginning to sound like a taxi driver or one of those pub bores that goes on about which route one should /should not take! Anyway, the point I'm making is that for the first time, I am seeing how all the main thoroughfares are interconnected and if you're out walking or on 2 wheels and want to avoid the busy roads, this is useful information.

On the final decent, down aptly named Seaton Down Road, towards town and home, and rather than freewheel as I did yesterday, I engaged peddles and that illusive 22 mph barrier was broken. Another challenge ticked off .. so what's next?

Stats: 4.30 mi, 28m 46s, Avg 9.0 mph, max 24.8 mph, 324 kcal

Day 17 - Random Route

I woke, itching to get out on my bike this morning. Having run through in my mind a few new circuits as I dressed, I headed up the hill, out of town with still only a vague idea of which one I was going to take.

The long climb started well but as I turned into Marlpit Lane, the down hill route won over another climb, it was cold and damp and my muscles were now crying out for a breather. That route is banked for another day. The road down to the sea is now a well ridden one, but it looks as though I'm going to have to try something different to get safety above 22 mph, as I've plateaued at 21.9 and the challenge with continuing with Marlpit Lane are the obstacles: Luna sized potholes and speed bumps, so to avoid damaging the bike and myself in this challenge, I think I'm going to have to seek an alternative stretch of road.

The return route from the sea was in the direction of the hospital, but just as yesterday, I took a detour into Scalwell Lane and then rather than joining Harepath Lane for the homeward sprint, I turned off into Drovers Way for a looping up hill climb to the auction house. It should then have been a leisurely drop down the hill to join Seaton Down Road, but no, like a man possessed and with not a soul on the road, I banked through a 90 degree right into Homer Lane, I was beginning to feel I could stay out all day. Another climb and a new discovery, a cycle path and a short cut exiting onto Seaton Down Road. I'm beginning to really appreciate these cycle paths, but I wish they were more than just a token and intermittent offering. The final 1/5 of a mile was an exhilarating freewheel down hill, I just wonder if I bother to peddle, whether this could even be my new stretch of road for the speed test. Watch this space!

Stats: 3.85 mi, 24m 34s, Avg 9.4 mph, max 21.8 mph, 277 kcal

Day 16 - Beach Outing

What a difference a day makes! After yesterday's complete washout, this afternoon the sun shone and my two wheels where again spinning over shimmering Tarmac. Endomondo split my circuit into two as I did feel the need to promenade with the rest of Seaton, out to take in the rays and breath in the beautiful ozone from a gentle surf.

After a day of rest, my leg muscles were keen for a pounding and they took Seaton Down Hill with ease and a new PB of 21.9 mph achieved on the outward circuit. After my promenading, I took and extended route home, exploring more of the side and back streets of sleepy Seaton, this cycling lark is becoming quite an adventure!

Stats: 4.52 mi, 25m 54s, Avg 11.1 mph, max 21.9 mph, 292 kcal

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Day 14 - Friday! End of Week 2

Friday and to complete my second week on two wheels, I set out this morning on the Short Circuit, not for speed, it was just all that I could muster!

Under cloudy skys and considerably warmer than yesterday's deep freeze experience, it was pleasant to be out. No stops and no major hill issues, the only downer was that I seemed to hit one of those rare 15 minute rush hours in Seaton, as at almost every turn, a car, lorry or another vehicle of the road, wanted my piece of tarmac!

While not intending to enter a speed trial today, Sea Hill did see me reaching my top speed of 21.4 mph  without freezing my face off or suffocating ... oh dear, I can see another challenge forming here!

Stats: 2.25 mi, 13m 47s, Avg 9.8 mph, Max 21.4 mph, 157 kcal.

Day 13 - Ice Cream Sandwich

Ice Cream Sandwich, not Android's OS but how my head felt with its ice cream headache as I descended to the sea at 18 mph against an icy blast of super chilled air! The sun was shining in a beautifully blue sky as if like summer, but there was no mistaking the thick ice covered cars and my ice cream headache, not this time the cause of frozen cream!

Following a night out with the Arsenal, my head was a bit thick this morning and I was thinking I'd give the ride a miss. I thought back to last Wednesday's game and considered why I'd not felt the same then. Realising that last Thursday morning, it was horizontal rain that kept me off the road, and with the beautiful weather cruelly taunting me this morning, I had no choice, I had to get out of my warm comforting bed and face the bike again. What better way to clear my head!

Yesterday's short circuit felt too short to repeat today, it's a circuit to do when under par or where the weather conspires against you or, at best, as a time trial. So, I widened the circuit today, climbing higher from the off, taking in the top of Marlpit lane, down to the beach and then out to the hospital on the return loop. It felt good to have sun finally on my face and I even had time for a quick stop to snap a shot of the Esplanade, my shadow being the only evidence of life out and about on that breathtakingly, 'ice cream sandwich', sunny morning.

Stats: 2.97 mi, 19m 02s, 215 kcal.

Day 12 - Speed

After reaching the 5 mile distance yesterday, I switched today to focus on increasing speed and stamina.

Taking to the Short Circuit route, I made good progress on the first mile but the return was hard going. Having said that, I did take 4 minutes off my Week 1, Day 4 and 3 minutes off my stormy Day 10 rides over the same circuit, so definitely feel my fitness has to be improving.

Stats: 2.26 mi, 12m 42s, 145 kcal.

Day 11 - On Gritted Roads

On gritted roads and over frozen puddles, in a cold and sunny Seaton, I completed my second week's objective of breaking the 5 mile barrier!

Following yesterday's route, with an extended uphill run from the start, I added another 3 mile loops at the mid point, to ramp up the distance. This reminded me of when I used to do length after length in the pool; I could have just gone on forever but it was a little tedious. I feel my next focus will  have to be on the hills in a higher gear and increasing my circuit speeds and then, breaking out of the Seaton valley into Colyford, Colyton and beyond!

Stats: 5.07 mi, 33m 04s, 373 kcal.

Day 10 - Short Circuit

With the temperature at -2c, snow under rubber and 60 mph westerly gusts, it was not going to be a long ride this morning. Along the seafront it was hard enough just to keep forward momentum!

This route has become my simple short circuit, starting and ending up hill, with a steep drop down to the sea and a long climb back to base. At the mid point, down on the seafront, there is the opportunity, when the winds have dropped, to add in additional 1 mile circuits following the Esplanade west and then back along Harbour Road. This does, however, seem to provide much amusement to those standing at the bus stop (red dot below).

The 5 mile barrier remains for another day!

Stats: 2.30 mi, 16m 04s, 181 kcal.

Day 9 - Day of the Grizzly

It's the Grizzly Run today in Seaton and so I took a different route to avoid most of the barriers and organisers. I had to do the hill by the castle though, as my challenge today was to take this in one go - so steep! Luckily the organisers were happy to let me through.

Overall, I was slower than previous days, taking in more steep hills - glad I've worked the gearing now! - and with all the activity in town, it was a more convoluted and random route. Great fun though as I just wanted to tour around, definitely feeling fitter. I've also resolved the kcal issue, when upgrading to the Endomondo Pro, it took across my weight in Kg as Lbs .. apx 1/3 of actual .. I wish!  Not sure how I fix the history, but it justifies my earlier disbelief.

Next week's target, is to break the 5 mile barrier.

Stats: 4.24 mi, 27m 06s, 306 kcal.

Day 8 - Saturday

Another foggy start and not as quick or as easy out of the trap as yesterday's blistering performance. This may mean that taking a rest every couple of days may be a good strategy, but I am keen to keep the momentum as I fear any excuse to not hit the saddle will be easily taken!

Anyway, following yesterday's kcal debate, I tried a side by side comparison of Endomondo and MapMyRide today and who can I believe, Endo 97kcal or MapMy 151kcal? I really do not know what Endo is up to here. Either way, I was pleased, in spite of feeling less than on par, that I was able to add another half mile to the route. You'll notice that my ride this morning took me past the hospital at the 4 mile marker, while I felt like calling in for oxygen, I pushed on regardless!

Stats: 4.56 mi, 27m 36s, 97 kcal.

Week 1 - The Challenge Begins

My first week on two wheels has been an enjoyable challenge. To map my progress to fitness, I'm trying out various Smartphone Apps. I have shortlisted these down to two which my fellow Facebook friends are using: Endomondo and MapMyRide. I'm still not convinced which is best, both have their positive points, more on that probably over the next few weeks.

So, my progress so far, in my view, has been relatively impressive considering my starting point. Here is the week, in brief:

Sunday 3rd March - Day 2

Two outings today. My Pre Breakfast Run, using MapMyRide, was my first trial of moving from warm bed to bike and an outside temperature of zero degrees. I managed a 2 mile ride with a reported total ascent of 98.43 ft and maximum elevation of 111.55 ft. Not sure the relevance of these stats, but I certainly had to dismount to make the final hill home!

Stats: 2.23 mi, 14m 41s, 69 kcal.

The second outing was a 'gentle' afternoon ride down to the sea, using Endomondo this time to track my style. Following a similar route but finishing by 'walking' up a far too steep hill to attempt, at this time, I reportedly burned 174 kcals, imagine how many that would have been had I been actually cycling up the hill!

Stats: 2.03 mi, 14m 34s, 174 kcal.

Monday 4th March - Day 3

I was surprisingly keen to get out this morning, on this, Day 3 and my first week day pre-breakfast run. The weather was again cold, feeling sub zero travelling at 20 mph down hill, with the wind whistling around my ears, I headed off into the town, towards the sea beyond. In a figure of eight rather than my previous circular route, I'm trying out the best circuit to avoid traffic and junctions which will interrupt my flow. Having got caught at the lights, tomorrow's circuit will have to change again.

Stats: 1.97 mi, 14m 18s, 161 kcal.

Tuesday 5th March - Day 4

Fog and with all lights blazing .. a different and longer route today. I'm getting into more of a groove now and the route is starting to take shape. My legs are are starting to really feel the exercise they've not had for years and my seat is suffering at every bump!

Fortunately, later in the day, I took delivery of my first cycling lycra. A pair of padded shorts! ;)
Stats: 2.23 mi, 16m 50s, 190 kcal.

Wednesday 6th March - Day 5

Oh a tough one today. Stopped at the sea wall for a breather so Endomondo split the circuit into two reports. Not a good ride after a poor night's sleep, but nice to get out anyway and the new shorts are a great improvement!

Stats: 1.13 mi, 6m 33s, 74 kcal.

The way back from the sea wall was the uphill homeward stretch and a real challenge for the tired legs. Luckily, however, much warmer than yesterday and only very light rain.

Stats: 1.18 mi, 8m 23s, 94 kcal.

Thursday 7th March - Day 6

A washout! Horizontal rain and strong onshore gusts keep me wrapped up inside. Probably a good thing really as my muscles are starting to rebel!

Friday 8th March - Day 7

Back on the bike. Wet under rubber this morning, glad I was encouraged to purchase the unfashionably long mud guards! Almost doubled the distance today, adding 2 circuits of the beach, after being rained off yesterday but halved the calories burned! Losing faith in Endomondo's algorithm engine ... or has it picked up my increase in fitness? Not sure what's going on there but I don't believe it!

Stats: 4.01 mi, 22m 58s, 81 kcal.

So that's a full week now of bike ownership in which I've seen the distance I've been capable of cycling double and my stamina certainly increasing. I don't think I'll see the same increases in distance next week, but hopefully the hills will be easier, the stops for breathers less frequent and the weather remains good, so that I can at least get out on my bike.

To the Start

Saturday 2nd March is the day that my Tour de Fitness commences with the purchase of my first bike in about 30 years! After much deliberation over supplier, bike and financing (self or work plan) I came away today, from Exeter's Bike Shed with a new shiny, Specialised Crosstrail Sport Disc -2013.

This afternoon, I took it for a gingerly two mile familiarisation ride down to the beach and back. I can't believe how unfit I am. The rest of the afternoon is spent lying on the sofa watching Top Gear on iPlayer .. I love cars!