“With a few months to go until the big ride in September, I’m getting as many miles in as I can on the bike. Over the last few weeks, I broke two personal records – my stretch on the static bike at PropertyMark One was the longest ride I’ve ever undertaken in one go based on duration (7 hours and 20 minutes!), and a recent charity ride in beautiful Ireland was the longest distance I’ve ever cycled in a day, at 110 miles.
The atmosphere in Ireland was truly fantastic. As a charity ride, not a race, moods were positive and motivation was high. My personal highlight from the day? It had to be the rider who completed the entire route on a traditional penny-farthing. I thought I was hallucinating when I saw him trundle past me at the aid station. I didn’t know whether to be impressed or ashamed (I think it was a mix of both) that he completed the ride only a few minutes later than I did. I will use the excuse that my cycling buddy on the day was riding with a broken wrist (more on that below), which did steady our pace more!
Note to self: Research windscreen wipers for sunglasses. The views would have been absolutely incredible, had I been able to see more 10m in front. A very foggy experience!
It’s fair to say I found the static bike stint slightly more challenging than an outdoor ride; I missed the fresh air, and a static bike limits your movement differently, so a little tougher physically. Huge thanks to Michaela and Ben from the RentGuarantor team, who were very game and gallantly hopped into the saddle to keep the miles up during two loo breaks!
I’m continuing to be grateful that I remain injury free (fingers staying crossed). Unlike my poor friend who managed to cycle into a canal on a recent ride with me and came away with a cracked shoulder blade, six broken ribs and a broken wrist. I had to fish him, and his bike, out of some very mucky water.
Until next time!
